Transnational Threats Require Global Allies—Tinubu Says Nigeria Defence Academy Graduates Are New Cadets
Nigeria’s complex security challenges possess a deeply transnational dimension that cannot be resolved through isolated national military operations alone.
Speaking at the combined passing-out parade of the 73 Regular Course cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that modern insecurity spills across borders, requiring intensified regional diplomacy and robust international cooperation to dismantle global criminal networks.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democracy and regional stability across West Africa.
He pledged that the country will continue to aggressively pursue diplomacy, security collaboration, and economic integration through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional alliances to counter these borderless threats.
Tackling the Socio-Economic Root Causes
While regional partnerships remain vital, the President emphasized that domestic military force is only part of the solution. He identified several systemic socio-economic factors driving internal conflicts, including poverty and unemployment, that leave youth vulnerable to radicalization. Poor educational infrastructure that limits long-term opportunities and social disintegration among communities.
Addressing these root causes, Tinubu argued, is just as critical to achieving lasting peace as battlefield victories.
Next-Gen Officers Step into the Field
The ceremony marked the culmination of five years of intensive military and academic conditioning for 444 graduating cadets. Their commissioning signals the official start of their careers as officers within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Representing the President as the reviewing officer, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, inspected the parade before the cadets executed their traditional march in slow and quick time. High-performing cadets received special awards for outstanding merit during their grueling five-year tenure.
Delivering the presidential address, Speaker Abbas charged the newly minted officers to fiercely uphold the Nigerian Constitution, protect citizens, and safeguard the nation’s vital economic assets. He urged them to immediately deploy the discipline, professionalism, and selfless commitment instilled by the academy into their active-duty assignments.
Modern Warfare Driven by Local Innovation
President Tinubu commended the NDA for evolving its curriculum to match contemporary asymmetrical warfare. The academy has significantly boosted its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training regimens to prepare officers for the realities of modern combat.
Furthermore, the President lauded the NDA’s strides in technology-driven research and homegrown military innovation. Highlighting the academy’s recent development of cutting-edge solutions—including precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems, and multipurpose mobile robots—Tinubu underscored that technological superiority and innovation will ultimately define the future of Nigeria’s defense strategy.
