Prepare For Global Uncertainties – Cds Charges Defence Agencies

SAN FRANCISCO, November 18, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, has charged the defence and intelligence agencies to prepare for uncertain years ahead following the “uncertainties” brought by the recent political occurrences in the world.

Olonisakin, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Bashir Saidu, gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Defence Advisers/Attaches' Conference in Abuja tagged: 'Harnessing the Potentials of Defence Attache System for improved National Security in Nigeria'.

“Recent political events in the global scene have ushered in a new era of uncertainty. We must therefore prepare for this new reality with the determination to ensure that the safety and security of Nigeria,” he said.

“The input of the Defence section would be especially relevant as we embrace the future.

“The clarity and visibility we hope you will bring from your areas of responsibilities will be critical to our decision making and actions that are aimed at guaranteeing the security, prosperity and vital interest of Nigeria and its people.

“The DHQ will hence take, study and implement those decisions taken at this conference that are with its authority. We will also work with relevant authorities to ensure that the other decisions are given due considerations and actions taken.

“As our nation and the Armed Forces continue to deter and defeat terrorism, sabotage and subversion with a reasonable degree of success, we must now collectively focus on ensuring that we do not get to future challenges with past solutions.

“Going forward, our military must evolve considerably, its force projections and responsiveness to emergencies and threats. That evolution will begin with our ability to attain a qualitative feat in intelligence and forward thinking.

“The Defence sector must therefore focus on the strategic military means of our Armed Forces and contribute effectively to our collective efforts at ensuring readiness to adequately and effectively contain the next set of challenges that may arise.”

Story by Oputah David