Response To Crisis Management Requires Critical Thinking, Alertness – CDS

Strategic-level leaders in the armed forces, security, and relevant Agencies who are at the forefront of the nation’s efforts in responding to crisis situations are required to make tough decisions, think critically, and act decisively in response to crises.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa stated this at the Strategic Commanders’ Course organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in Collaboration with the British High Commission (BHC), on Monday 24th February 2025.

The Defence Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Defence training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima, said the strategic level commanders were specifically selected for the course based on their expertise and the important role they play in the security architecture of the country.

General Musa stressed that the training will equip the Commanders with the requisite skill to support a strategic operations room and increase their awareness around a multi-agency incident Command, as well as the know-how in supporting organisations to respond effectively and collectively to crisis incidents.

“As you embark on this journey, I urge you to proceed with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a commitment to excel. Remember that addressing our security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach and is not limited to the security agencies alone.

“Equally, you will need to balance competing priorities, manage complexities and make tough decisions under intense pressure. I, however, believe in your ability to rise to the task when duty calls, as you navigate the demands of the course. Please note that the knowledge gained would contribute significantly to lasting peace in the Nation, the sub region and the world at large.”

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, who was represented by the United Kingdom Defence Adviser, Brigadier Tom Harper, said tactical commanders are to be exposed to the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JSEP) principles being used in the United Kingdom to handle terrorist incidents.

He said the course, which is the inaugural edition, will set the foundations for two others planned for action officers to prepare commanders at all levels to react effectively and efficiently in the event of a terrorist or crisis event.

“Following ex-rapid response, also in November last year, the Chief Umpire and Head of the Presidential Communications Command and Control Centre, Rear Admiral Obeya, requested that the British High Commission deliver a training package to improve multi-agency command and control at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.”

The Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, said since potential targets and tactics used by terrorists evolve and are highly unpredictable, it has become necessary to include non-state actors in the fight to counter terrorism and all forms of violent extremism.

It is therefore imperative to have stakeholder engagement and the need for them to be alert, trained and be proactive in handling of the ever evolving tactics of the groups.

“As you are all aware, crisis management is the process by which organisations or governments address disruptive and unexpected events that threaten to harm the entity, stakeholders, and the general public. This process involves the strategic planning and execution of actions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of crises, while ensuring that operations continue as smoothly as possible.

“We must hold ourselves in readiness for any eventuality regardless of our status or background, military or civilian. Success can only be achieved by parties who prepare and can boast of having an established crisis management plan,” stated General Laka.