The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has stated that modern warfare is no longer fought only on land, sea and air, but also on the cyberspace.
He stated this while inaugurating the maiden Digital Literacy Internet and Core Computing Certification Course (IC3) and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School (NACWS) Basic Cyber Laboratory on Friday 8 October 2021 at Giri, Abuja.
The COAS, who was represented by the Director General, Land Forces Simulation Centre, Major General Felix Omoigui said this development has brought to the fore, the need to properly defend the territorial integrity of the nation in the cyberspace.
General Yahaya said NACWC and other cyber affiliated formations were established to combat cyber threats and cyber crimes within the Nigerian Army sphere of influence. But there was need for requisite manpower to effectively operate in that space. This is necessary to build capacity that will enhance the proficiency of personnel to counter these threats.
He noted that to this end, NACWS among other roles, was established to provide specialist training for cyber warriors, aimed at inducting trained cyber security specialists to the NACWC and other cyber affiliated formations in support of Nigerian Army operations.
The Army Chief stated that the course was designed to equip the participants with basic competencies required to manipulate current and future Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
General Yahaya stated that the nation’s security dynamics imply that efforts must be re-doubled with needed cyber products and competencies to defeat all forms of cyber threats confronting the nation.
He charged personnel across board to be resolute and patriotic in discharging their responsibilities in service to the nation and humanity.
Basic Cyber Laboratory
He also commended the Commandant of the school, Brigadier General Adewale Adetoba for the establishment of Basic Cyber Laboratory in the school.
He reiterated that it was a step in the right direction that would lead to the actualisation of the mandate of the school.
The Commandant, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School Brigadier General Adewale Adetoba while addressing the participants, disclosed that the course was the first of its kind.
He said the course was aimed at developing the capacity and improving the skills of Nigerian Army personnel on cyber related activities, in line with the vision of the COAS in tackling various security challenges confronting the country.
The Commandant also said that the IC3 course had a total of 30 students drawn from various units within Abuja, that it was a global benchmark for basic computer literacy and specialist certification.
He implored the participants to take the course seriously, so as to imbibe the expertise that would improve their performances in their respective formations and units.
Confidence Okwuchi
