By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Army has affirmed its commitment to intensify cooperation with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA) in order to enhance its operational capabilities.
During separate meetings held on Thursday in Abuja, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), conveyed this commitment while engaging with Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi, the Director-General of DRDB, and AVM Abdullahi Shinkafi, the Chief of DSA.
In a statement released by Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja particularly emphasized the importance of the partnership with DSA to bolster the Army’s presence in the cyber domain.
The COAS expressed his gratitude for the invaluable space and cyber support provided by DSA to the Army and other military services, underscoring the critical role of space and cyber domains in contemporary warfare.
He stressed the paramount need for the Army to cultivate the necessary expertise to defend against cyber threats and attacks, assuring continuous collaboration with DSA. Additionally, he affirmed the intention to extend DSA products to all formations and units to enhance land operations.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Defence Bureau in coordinating research and development endeavors within the Nigerian military.
He highlighted the Army’s interest in harnessing the research findings of the bureau, particularly in countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to safeguard the lives of military personnel and civilians, as well as protect military equipment.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja emphasized that improving the operational efficiency of troops was vital in fulfilling the constitutional responsibilities of the Army, which include defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He further emphasized that this partnership would provide the necessary platforms for the Army to leverage cutting-edge technologies, strategies, and practices to enhance its operations.
In his comments, Maj.-Gen. Ndagi stated that the visit aimed to reinforce collaboration between the bureau and the Army, highlighting the bureau’s mandate to coordinate research and development activities across the armed forces, with a strong focus on cultivating indigenous technological capabilities for the military.
AVM Shinkafi expressed his appreciation for the Army’s support to DSA in areas such as infrastructure and cyber warfare.