Strategic Leadership, Critical To Successful Military Operations …Former Defence Chief

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim has identified strategic leadership as critical to successful military operations across all levels, especially as relates on the need to navigate complex scenarios and ensure cohesion in the execution of missions and strategies.

The former CDS disclosed this when delivering a lecture titled “Strategic leadership, my military experience” to participants of National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja.

Admiral Ibrahim emphasized the impact of strategic leadership on officers and charged the participants to imbibe excellence and professionalism in discharging their various duties as future strategic leaders. On the ongoing efforts to tackle security challenges such as the fight against insurgency and banditry, he commends the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces in their efforts to maintain national security and stability. He charged officers to remain committed to defeating insurgency through a comprehensive security strategy and community engagements.

The former CDS called for a holistic government approach in handling counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-driven approaches in all ongoing operations across the country. On this, he further highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with local communities, international allies, and other security agencies to enhance collective security efforts. The admiral further pointed out the significance of joint operations, collaboration, and the adoption of modern and emerging technologies in military strategy, expressing satisfaction with the drive towards joint operations by the current Service Chiefs. He, however, encouraged innovative thinking and adaptability among military personnel to enrich this process.

Admiral Ibrahim also underscored the importance of upholding ethics, standards, and core values within the military, stressing the need for integrity and honour in maintaining trust and cohesion within the ranks. He further maintained that military strategic leadership is essential in a democratic setup, as it ensures that the military remains subordinate to civil authority adding that this plays a crucial role in promoting national security, stability, and development.

The Commandant NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, in his remarks, thanked the former CDS for coming to the college to deliver the lecture, which is apt and timely. The lecture was marked with a robust interactive session and as a solidarity, had in attendance many alumni of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), London of which both the Commandant and the former CDS are members.