Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis demands fresh strategies, Chief of Army Staff tells military planners

He delivered this directive on Thursday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Wargaming Centre.

He instructed the college to employ wargaming and strategic analysis tools to tackle the complex security threat facing communities and schools.

He said that mass abduction is among Nigeria’s most urgent and evolving security challenges.

One key task I want the college to undertake is to explore how wargaming can address multiple mass abductions across our vast forested regions.

This is an evolving security challenge in Nigeria,

he added.

He noted that the fear of kidnapping has kept many parents from sending their children to schools, especially in rural areas.

He emphasized that the problem demands innovative solutions beyond traditional military responses.

Shaibu urged the college to assess how proposed state policing structures might influence security decision‑making and response mechanisms across the country.

He also called for studies to enhance coordination among security agencies so that responses to kidnapping incidents are timely.

When we discuss rapid response, we must consider the necessary assets and how decisions are made at the strategic level. Test those options and present solutions,

he said.

The COAS expressed confidence that the college can produce actionable recommendations to strengthen national security.

He described wargaming as a vital tool for analysing complex operational problems and testing potential courses of action.

He said the process allows commanders to anticipate adversaries’ reactions and evaluate the consequences of decisions before deploying forces.

The COAS said the newly inaugurated Wargaming Centre will support education, research, operational analysis, concept development, and strategic decision‑making.

He urged the Army War College