8 Division GOC, Ajose, harps on importance of technology in fighting crime

The Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, has emphasised the importance of technology in the fight against crime and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The Army Chief made this statement on Tuesday during his remarks at the opening of a four-day workshop titled “Operation Planning Cadre,” held at the main auditorium of the Division.

The workshop, themed “Leveraging New Technologies for Innovative Operations Planning Processes by Commanders in a Joint Environment,” was described by Ajose as timely, given the dynamic nature of modern warfare and the growing role of technology in shaping military operations. The event is expected to last for four days, with a series of paper presentations.

In his remarks, the GOC said, “As we gather here today, it is imperative to remember that the security environment is evolving rapidly.

“The challenges we face today are multidimensional, complex, and often transnational. Whether it is countering insurgency, tackling terrorism or banditry, or maintaining internal security, the need for innovation and adaptability in our operations planning process cannot be overemphasised.

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“This aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force, capable of fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

He expressed optimism that the workshop would, among other benefits, provide the carefully selected resource persons and participants with the opportunity to deliberate, make meaningful contributions, and devise workable plans to address many of the operational and administrative challenges that hinder the Nigerian Army’s engagements in various theatres.

“Let me reiterate that the theme acknowledges the critical role that technology plays in modern military operations. In the past, wars were fought with traditional strategies and conventional weapons. However, today the battlefield has expanded into new domains such as cyber, space, and information warfare.

“As commanders, it is essential that we understand and leverage these technologies to enhance our operational effectiveness and achieve mission success.”

He further highlighted that the Nigerian Army has always prided itself on professionalism and its commitment to the defense of the nation. “However, to maintain our edge and stay ahead of potential adversaries, we must continuously evolve our strategies and methodologies.

“This workshop offers an excellent opportunity to discuss and explore how new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, and advanced surveillance systems can be integrated into our operations planning process.

“In a joint environment like ours, where coordination between different services and agencies is crucial, the ability to effectively harness technology becomes even more critical. Our operations no longer exist in isolation; they require collaboration across multiple domains and partners.

“As commanders, we must be able to synchronize our efforts, share intelligence, and make informed decisions in real-time.

“This demands a new way of thinking and planning that embraces innovation and technological advancement. As we embark on this workshop, I urge you all to approach the discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn.”

He assured participants that the knowledge and insights gained during the training would be instrumental in shaping the future of Nigerian Army operations.

He called on participants to seize the opportunity to refine the Nigerian Army’s strategies, enhance its capabilities, and ensure that it is fully prepared to meet future challenges within the Joint Operations Area.