Operational planning Cadre 2018: participants urged to apply acquired skills in respective agencies

Joy Anyim,  Lagos

Participants at the just concluded Operational Planning Cadre for the year 2018 have been advised to put to good use all they have learnt for the benefit of their respective agencies.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the four-day training Cadre which held at the Army Officers’ Mess in Lagos on Thursday,  the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army,  Major-General Enobong Udoh said the knowledge  acquired should be applied in the various approach to operational planning and management of emerging security challenges in the Division’s Area of Responsibility which covers Lagos and Ogun States.

Udoh stated that the Cadre which was in line with vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS)  Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai had the theme ‘Articulating the Roles of Commanders and Staff Officers in Planning Military Operations other than War’.

The training had also drawn over 50 participants from Army formations with the Division,  Nigerian Navy,  Nigerian Airforce,? Nigeria Police, Nigeria Prisons Service,  Nigeria Customs Service,  amongst other security agencies and Parastatals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

In his word, the GOC said the primary  objectives of the cadre was to revise and update participants in operational planning procedures as well as promote robust partnership amongst security agencies.

He said,  “I have followed the progress of the Cadre with keen interest and also from what I have been briefed,  I am certain that you have all had a very fruitful and rewarding Cadre.  This is a testimony of the hard-work and commitment put in by the facilitators and indeed all of you the participants.

“Judging from the outcome of the group presentations made on Operations and Tactical Estimate Process this morning,  I must admit that the objectives of the cadre which was to revise and update participants in operational planning procedures  have been realised.  I have no doubt that the series of presentation and interactive sessions during the cadre have greatly enriched your knowledge.

” You are expected to take back to your various formations,  Agencies and Parastatals the invaluable knowledge gained during the cadre.  I expect to see a remarkable improvement in your approach to operational planning and management of the emerging security challenges in 81 Division Area of Responsibility  which covers Lagos and Ogun States.”

” It is also my expectation that the lessons learnt during the course of the cadre would be put to good use for the overall benefit of your respective services and agencies.  I would like to assure you that training of this nature will continue to receive priority attention in this division.”

One of the participant from the Nigeria Prison Service,  Assistant Suprintendent of Prison(ASP)  Nsikan Blessing applauded the training initiative by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army.

She said, ” it’s been an amazing experience here,  I have learnt alot in terms of knowing what to do in military operations other than war,  on how to handle Intelligence,  what it entails to protect human rights even as I discharge my duty.  I have also come to understand the need to collaborate with other security agencies in the discharge of my duty as a prison official.  I would also recommend that trainings like this come up from time to time. “

Similarly,  a Deputy Suprintendent of Customs(DSC)  Bulus K. N.  also applauded the facilitators of the training.

He said the training was an eye opener to what roles all security agencies and parastatals need to play during military operations other than war.