Army War College Nigeria

The Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Major General Umar Alkali, has treated allied participants of course 10/2026 to a two-day sightseeing tour of Abuja, showcasing the city's rich culture and beauty. The participants, who are in Abuja for the first time, were thrilled to explore the city's attractions, including the Art and Craft center, Nike Art gallery, City gate and National stadium.

PROMOTION: ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA DECORATES 25 NEWLY PROMOTED SOLDIERS

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on 20 November 2025 held a colourful decoration ceremony for 25 newly promoted soldiers. The event took place at the Tukur Yusufu Buratai Auditorium of the College in Asokoro, Abuja.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, congratulated the soldiers on their well-deserved promotions, describing the elevation as a call to higher service, commitment, and responsibility. He urged them to remain focused and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

He also charged the newly promoted soldiers to ensure that their elevation positively reflects on their families in terms of welfare, emphasizing that the well-being of their families should be a top priority. He further encouraged them to take good care of their health.

The Commandant reminded the soldiers of the “Soldier First” concept of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen W Shuaibu NAM, which emphasizes the primacy of the soldier.

The newly decorated soldiers are AWO Usman Mohammed, MWO Dandan-Garba Ibrahim; WOs Isah Opotu, Bitrus Dauda, Emmanuel Anthony, Ladan Nasiru, Elei Donald, and Haruna John; Ssgts Attahiru Nda, John Aaron, Abubakar Yawale, Omowumi Fatomide, Aisha Musa, Gloria Gideon, and Haruna Hannah; Sgts Asoquo Florence, Yahaya Mohammed, Mohammed Dangana, Mary Fatoyinbo, Idris Usman, and Victoria Inyang; Cpls Bartholomew Enejene, Skari Daniel, and Idoga Ene; and Lcpl Eneke Princess.

Delivering words of advice, Brig Gen MI Lemu urged the soldiers to build on what he termed the "3 Fs": Friendly, Firm, and Focused — to be friendly with people, firm in carrying out their tasks, and focused on achieving set goals.

Speaking on behalf of the celebrants, AWO Usman Mohammed expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the College for their mentorship and support, pledging renewed dedication to the service of the nation.

The ceremony was attended by Maj Gen MS Yusuf (rtd), AVM GA Bello, Dy Comdt/DOS AWCN, Directors, members of the faculty, college staff, families, and well-wishers. It ended with a group photograph and light refreshments.

“PROFESSIONALISM MUST GUIDE YOUR CONDUCT” — MAJ GEN ALKALI TELLS NEWLY PROMOTED GENERALS

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, held a colourful decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior officers at the Tukur Yusufu Buratai Auditorium, Asokoro, Abuja. The event marked an important milestone in the careers of officers whose contributions continue to strengthen strategic leadership within the Nigerian Army.

In his remarks, the Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, congratulated the newly promoted Brigadier Generals and commended their dedication to duty and academic excellence within the College. He noted that their elevation was in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, whose leadership continues to emphasize merit, professionalism, and the development of strategic-level officers for the Nigerian Army.

He also emphasized that professionalism must remain their watchword, explaining that true professionalism is anchored on empathy, community service, and unwavering dedication to national security. He urged them to continue demonstrating these values as they contribute to strengthening the intellectual and operational foundation of the Nigerian Army through the College.
The officers who were decorated to their new ranks include Brig Gen BU Ugbuji, Brig Gen OG Olayinka, Brig Gen EM Shoda, Brig Gen SO Agada, Brig Gen S Abdullahi, and Brig Gen DC Nwogu. Their promotions were described as well-deserved recognitions of their contributions to the professional military education and leadership development at AWCN.

In attendance were Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt Gen EAP Undiandeye, Minister of Women Affairs, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas - Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Chairman House Committee on Blue Economy Honourable Abdulsammad Dasuki, Provost Marshall (Army), Chief of Defence Accounts and Budgeting. Also in attendance the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General OI Odigie, Directors, faculty members, families, friends and well-wishers, all of whom joined in celebrating the milestones of the newly promoted officers.

The ceremony also featured a Vote of Thanks delivered by Brigadier General BU Ogbuji, who expressed appreciation to the COAS, the Commandant, and the College community for their support and encouragement. The event concluded with a group photograph.

Army War College Nigeria Honors Posted-Out Personnel and Passing-Out Corps Members

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Thursday, 13 November 2025, held a send-off ceremony in honour of posted-out personnel and passing-out corps members. The event took place at the Tukur Yusufu Buratai Auditorium of the College in Asokoro, Abuja.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the College, Major General Umar Alkali, expressed appreciation to the outgoing personnel and corps members for their service, dedication, and contributions to the progress of the College.

The Commandant noted that “it is a good thing to be celebrated after a meritorious tenure of service.” He urged the celebrants to remain good ambassadors of the College and to develop their entrepreneurial and leadership skills in order to be useful and productive members of society. He emphasized that the essence of service is to become better Nigerians and contribute positively to the larger community.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director of Administration and Logistics, Brigadier General JN Garba, stated that it is a long-standing tradition of the College to honour and celebrate personnel who have served meritoriously. He commended the outgoing personnel and corps members for their discipline, hard work, and teamwork, which have contributed immensely to the smooth administration of the College.

Speaking on behalf of the passing-out corps members, Ms. Kadija Nana thanked God and the Commandant for their guidance and support throughout their service period, promising to continue to uphold the values of the College wherever they find themselves.

Similarly, Master Warrant Officer Ayodele Felix, who spoke on behalf of the posted-out personnel, appreciated the Commandant, the Director of Studies, and the entire College community for their support and encouragement during their tour of duty.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by the Commandant to the outgoing staff and corps members in appreciation of their selfless service.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Members of Faculty, Officers, Soldiers, and Civilian Staff of the College.

“ADAPT SWIFTLY TO THE CHANGING NATURE OF TODAY’S UNCERTAIN AND HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS” — Defence Minister Urges New Graduands

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, has charged the graduating participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 to confront the nation’s evolving security landscape with confidence, innovation and strategic foresight. He made this call on 10 October 2025 at the Tukur Yusufu Buratai Auditorium, Asokoro, Abuja, during the College’s graduation ceremony.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister noted that the nature of modern threats is becoming more complex and unpredictable, demanding strategic leaders who can act decisively under pressure. He stated: “The world of today is dynamic and the threats we face are increasingly complex. As officers trained in the art of operational level planning, you will be called upon to provide solutions in uncertain, fluid and often hostile environments. I urge you to face these challenges with confidence, innovation and determination as fellows of the Army War College Nigeria. I am confident that the training you have received here has adequately prepared you to think critically, act decisively, and adapt swiftly to the changing nature of conflict.”

The Minister commended the Commandant, Faculty and Staff of the College for their commitment to grooming operational-level leaders capable of navigating complex security environments. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the families of the graduands and appreciated the unwavering support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the College, Umar Mohammed Alkali, Major General, welcomed the Minister and other dignitaries to the Nigerian Army’s apex institution for professional military education. He highlighted the College’s steady evolution since its establishment in 2017, including modernised infrastructure, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and the inauguration of the AWCN Alumni Association. He also noted the international participation in Course 9/2025, which featured 80 officers including 9 from six African countries, enriching professional discourse and regional cooperation.

Highlights of the ceremony included the unveiling of the College Journal/Magazine, presentation of awards to the best deserving graduates by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM, presentation of certificates to the participants, and a group photograph session to commemorate the occasion.

HASHIMU SA'AD ABDULLAHI
Major
College Public Relations Officer
10 October 2025

PROMOTION: ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA DECORATES 14 NEWLY PROMOTED COLONELS

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on 9 October 2025 held a colourful decoration ceremony for 14 newly promoted officers who are participants of Course 9/2025. The event took place at the Tukur Yusufu Buratai Auditorium of the College in Asokoro, Abuja.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Commandant AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, congratulated the officers on their well-deserved promotions to the rank of Colonel, describing the elevation as a call to higher service, commitment, and responsibility. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and innovative in addressing contemporary security challenges.

He also noted that promotions in the Nigerian Army come with higher expectations, particularly for officers at the operational level. He reminded them that “discipline remains the soul of leadership,” urging them to lead by example and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army.

The Commandant then reminded them the “Soldier First” concept of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, which emphasizes the primacy of the soldier in every officer’s duty. He charged them to always prioritize the welfare of their troops and their families, while never losing sight of their core identity as soldiers, regardless of their appointments or specializations.

The newly decorated Colonels are Lt Col AE Oladipo, Lt Col DB Fapohunda, Lt Col UB Mai Garba, Lt Col LA Adejo, Lt Col EA Kaan, Lt Col M Mohammed, Lt Col YI Isiaku, Lt Col ZA Sadau, Lt Col SA Arogundade, Lt Col AO Ochigo, Lt Col MD Adamu, Lt Col AA Uma, Lt Col DO Ehicheoya, and Lt Col AS Adisa.

Speaking on behalf of the celebrants, Colonel AE Oladipo expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the College for their mentorship and support, pledging renewed dedication to the service of the nation.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, members of faculty, staff, families, and well-wishers. It ended with a group photograph and light refreshments.

“DISCIPLINE, PROFESSIONALISM, AND EXCELLENCE MUST REMAIN YOUR WATCHWORDS” – COMDT URGES DEPARTING OFFICERS

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, held a colourful send-off ceremony in honour of senior officers and soldiers recently posted out of the College. The event, which took place at the College Lounge in Asokoro, Abuja, was attended by the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, and Director of Studies, Directors, members of faculty, and staff of the College.

Those honoured at the occasion include Brigadier General NE Okolaogu, Director of Higher Military Studies and Interagency Relations; Colonel MS Bappaiya, Director of Curriculum Development; Major AA Ogbu, the College Quartermaster; and Captain O Ogunrinde, Officer in Charge of Information and Communication Technology. Others were Corporal Agagwu Uche and Lance Corporal Iriyomi Odewole.

In his remarks, the Commandant AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, praised the officers and soldiers for their selfless service and invaluable contributions to the College. He charged them to continue to be worthy ambassadors of the College in their new postings, stressing that AWCN remains the centre of excellence in training future strategic leaders for the Nigerian Army and beyond.

“Wherever you find yourselves, always exemplify what the College stands for — discipline, professionalism, and excellence,” the Commandant stated.

As part of their new assignments, Brigadier General NE Okolaogu has been appointed Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, while Colonel MS Bappaiya has been posted to 1 Division Nigerian Army as Acting Director, Education Services, among other appointments.

Highlights of the event included goodwill messages, words of encouragement to the departing officers and soldiers, as well as the presentation of gift items as tokens of appreciation. Brigadier General NE Okolaogu, speaking on behalf of the departing personnel, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to the Commandant, members of faculty, and staff of the College for their support and cooperation.

The event was rounded off with a group photograph and light refreshments, leaving behind fond memories of service, dedication, and shared commitment to the ideals of AWCN.

COAS INAUGURATES AWCN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
,,,,,,, As General Buratai Urges Members to Deepen Strategic Partnerships

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Thursday inaugurated its Alumni Association at the TY Buratai Hall, Asokoro, Abuja, in a landmark event attended by distinguished military leaders, past participants of the College’s flagship course, and senior officers from sister services and government agencies.

The Special Guest of Honour, former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), under whose leadership the College was established in 2017, commended the College for establishing the Alumni Association. He described it as a critical platform to sustain professional bonds, harness the collective wisdom of graduates, and contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, operational planning, and national security strategy. Lt Gen Buratai urged members to remain united in purpose and vision for the benefit of the Nigerian Army and the nation.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj Gen WM Dangana, lauded the inauguration as a timely initiative to consolidate AWCN’s achievements in operational-level leadership development, campaign planning, and joint operational art. He described alumni as “a reservoir of strategic knowledge, operational experience, and institutional wisdom” whose expertise is essential for national development and regional stability. Maj Gen Dangana further tasked members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service, using the Association as a platform for innovation, mentorship, and strategic influence.

In his welcome address, the Commandant AWCN, Maj Gen UM Alkali, described the event as a historic milestone in the College’s journey, aimed at sustaining professional relationships, enhancing institutional excellence, and reinforcing national service. He noted that the Alumni Association would preserve institutional memory, foster mentorship, support collaborative learning, and strengthen civil-military and interagency cooperation, fully aligned with the COAS Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated, combat-ready force. The programme also featured the unveiling of the Alumni logo, inauguration of an interim Executive Committee, and activation of platforms for knowledge sharing and national development.

The highlight of the event was a lecture on “Strategic Value of Alumni Networks in National Security Development” delivered by Brig Gen JN Temlong (rtd), the formal inauguration of the Alumni Association by Maj Gen Dangana on behalf of the COAS, and group photographs.

AWCN HOSTS UK OFFICIAL, DEEPENS COLLABORATION ON STRATEGIC MILITARY EDUCATION

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, played host to Ms. Angharad Jones, the United Kingdom Policy Desk Officer, and her delegation at the College’s Conference Room in Asokoro, Abuja. The visit marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of defence diplomacy and professional military education ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The visit provided a platform for constructive engagement on strategic defence education and mutual capacity development.

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant AWCN Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali expressed appreciation for the enduring relationship between the AWCN and its UK counterpart. He noted that AWCN remains committed to deepening partnerships that enhance leadership development and strategic thinking among military officers.

“We are honoured to host Ms. Jones and her team today. This visit not only reinforces our shared commitment to defence diplomacy but also opens new doors for collaboration in strategic leadership training and research,” said Major General Alkali. “We believe such interactions enrich our curriculum and expose our participants to global best practices in military education.”

In her remarks, Ms. Angharad Jones commended the College for its impressive strides in developing future military leaders and lauded the level of professionalism and vision driving its programmes. She reiterated the United Kingdom’s readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in defence education, policy development, and strategic studies.

“It is a privilege to be here today and witness first-hand the level of excellence at AWCN. The United Kingdom remains a willing partner in promoting shared values of security, professionalism, and institutional development within the Armed Forces,” Ms. Jones stated. “We look forward to deepening our cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as research, wargaming, and strategic-level training.”

During the visit, Ms. Jones and her team received a comprehensive briefing from Colonel EM Shoda on the College’s mission, academic curriculum, and its pivotal role in developing operational and strategic-level leaders for the Nigerian Army and sister services. This was followed by a guided tour of the College’s facilities, led by Colonel SO Agada.

The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and group photographs, symbolizing goodwill and continued partnership between the two institutions.

AWCN CONCLUDES GEO-STRATEGIC STUDY TOUR ACROSS THREE AFRICAN NATIONS

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has successfully concluded its Geo-Strategic Study Tour for the participants of AWCN Course 9/2025. The week-long tour, which took place from 8 to 14 June 2025, was designed to expose the participants to various geo-strategic environments and foster a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between strategic mechanisms and Nigeria’s foreign policy posture towards other African nations.

The tour was conducted under the theme: “Security of Forest Reserves for Enhanced National Defence.” The theme reflects an evolving understanding of the role of environmental security, particularly forest ecosystems, in national and regional stability.

The participants were divided into three teams, each assigned to a different African country. Team 1 visited the Republic of Uganda, Team 2 toured the Republic of Botswana, while Team 3 engaged with stakeholders in the Republic of Tanzania. The selection of the 3 countries was aimed at exploring how they are addressing the complex intersection of environmental management and security governance. Furthermore their rich experience in forest conservation, national park protection, and community-driven environmental initiatives offers valuable insights for Nigeria.
During the study tours, participants held high-level engagements with government ministries, defence establishments, forest management authorities, and research institutions. They were educated on diverse approaches to forest reserve security, civil-military collaboration in environmental protection, and non-kinetic strategies for countering security threats emanating from ungoverned forest regions.

Participants are expected to apply the insights gained during the tour in formulating innovative and pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s forest security challenges, particularly in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other transnational threats within the nation’s forest reserves.
In his remarks, the Commandant charged the participants to reflect critically on the security issues affecting Nigeria’s forests and to harness the knowledge acquired in addressing these complex and evolving threats. He emphasized the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in contemporary security operations, especially in light of the environmental and economic importance of forests to national stability.

Also on the tour were Brigadier General UM Aliyu from the Army Headquarters Department of Training and Brigadier General MB Usman from the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, who participated as observers. Their presence ensured objective assessment of the exercise and reinforced institutional oversight in line with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to high training standards.