The Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Maj. General Kevin Aligbe, has highlighted the importance of research and development (R&D) for the success in modern warfare and the fight against insurgents.
Speaking at the opening of the 2024 annual TRADOC conference on R&D in Minna, Niger State, Aligbe called for a stronger focus on technological advancements to enhance the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in contemporary combat situations.
Represented by Maj. General Jafar Mohammed, Director of Joint and Combined Doctrine at TRADOC, Maj. General Aligbe highlighted the increasing relevance of R&D in shaping military operations.
He noted that the Nigerian Army, like global military forces, must adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape to remain competitive and ensure national security.
The three-day conference, themed: Leveraging Research and Development in Emerging Technology as a Panacea for Success in Modern Warfare within a Joint Environment,” aims to expose participants to the latest innovations in military technology.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, police, immigration, customs, civil defense, and correctional services, were among the key participants at the event.
“The modern battlefield is continuously changing, and to succeed, the Nigerian Army must remain at the forefront of technological adoption,” Maj. General Aligbe said.
He also stressed the need for collaboration across various sectors to galvanize Nigeria’s material and human resources towards achieving its security and developmental goals.
Chief of Research Development, Test, and Evaluation at TRADOC, Maj. General Mohammed Danja, also spoke on the significance of R&D, pointing out that countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany have seen remarkable success by prioritizing R&D efforts.
He underscored the advances in drone technology, AI-driven weapons systems, and automated military vehicles as evidence of what can be achieved with sustained investments in R&D.
Six lectures by top experts in military technology will be delivered during the conference, which is set to end on Thursday.
The conference seeks to not only build capacity within the Nigerian military but also to create an environment where technological innovation thrives across all security agencies.
