National Defence College Hosts Maiden Irregular Warfare Roundtable to Advance Security and Development
The National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, has convened the maiden edition of its High-Level Roundtable on Irregular Warfare, bringing together top security stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of internal security and national development. Declaring the event open, the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies for fostering collaborative relationships with civilian communities in ongoing Joint Task Force operations across the country.
Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Akpabio described the roundtable — organized through the Irregular Warfare Centre of the NDC – as a “timely and strategic initiative” that transcends traditional warfare by addressing the lived experiences of conflict-affected communities and charting pathways for both peace and national development. “This High-Level Roundtable is not just a scholarly exercise – it is a listening post for the silent cries of our communities. It is a recognition that the battles we fight are not only with bullets but with trust, perception, and community engagement,” Yar’adua said.
Reaffirming the National Assembly’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces, Yar’adua noted: “We are committed to equipping our forces not just with arms, but with intelligence, innovation, and the moral mandate of the Nigerian people.” He praised the NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, and his team for their foresight in creating the Irregular Warfare Centre and undertaking critical field research across the six geo-political zones, focusing on Joint Task Force operations.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Major General Ahmed Jibrin (Rtd) commended the college for its research-driven approach to understanding irregular warfare. He emphasised the importance of a “whole-of-nation” strategy that integrates the efforts of government, civil society, and citizens. “The findings from this research are vital — not only to understand the operational landscape but to document the realities on the ground. This is how we build an effective, responsive, and united front against insecurity,” Jibrin said.
In a goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Alexander Bingel, Director of Special Operations at Defence Headquarters, described the roundtable as a milestone in advancing peace and joint-force effectiveness. “The insights from this research will inform actionable improvements in our internal security architecture,” he said.
In his welcome address, NDC Commandant Rear Admiral Olotu reiterated the significance of the Irregular Warfare Centre’s research, which covered all Joint Task Force deployments nationwide. “We are building a knowledge base that aligns with the complex realities of modern security challenges,” he noted.
The event was attended by representatives of State Governors, Service Chiefs, heads of security agencies, strategic Ministries, Departments and Agencies marking a unified front in advancing security through research, collaboration, and innovation.
