The Nigerian Army (NA) has announced its intention to strengthen its collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA) in order to bolster NA’s operations and establish a robust presence in cyberspace.
Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, conveyed that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), shared this commitment on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
He hosted separate meetings with Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, the Director General of DRDB, and Air Vice Marshall Abdullahi Shinkafi, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The CoAS acknowledged the significant role of the DRDB in coordinating research and development efforts within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He expressed the NA’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Bureau to sustain ongoing research and development initiatives related to countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), with the aim of safeguarding lives and equipment in the field.
General Lagbaja emphasized that enhancing operational efficiency among troops was crucial for the NA to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He believed that partnering the DRDB would provide the necessary platform for the army to leverage cutting-edge technologies, strategies, and practices to enhance its operations.
In his remarks, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, the DG of DRDB, highlighted the visit’s purpose, which was to strengthen the Bureau’s partnership with the NA.
He emphasized that the primary mandate of the Bureau was to coordinate research and development activities across the Armed Forces, with a particular emphasis on developing indigenous technological capabilities.
Also, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja received Air Vice Marshall Ahmed Shinkafi, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, at Army Headquarters.
During the meeting, he expressed gratitude for the DSA’s support in providing space and cyber assistance to the NA and other Services.
He emphasized the critical importance of space and cyberspace domains in modern warfare, especially in light of the increasing prevalence of cyber threats.
The Army Chief stressed the necessity for the NA to develop the necessary competencies to defend itself against potential cyber threats and attacks.
General Lagbaja assured the DSA of continuous collaboration aimed at ensuring an effective presence in cyberspace.
He also guaranteed that the DSA’s products would be extended to NA formations and units to facilitate land operations.
Air Vice Marshall Ahmed Shinkafi, the Chief of Defence Space Administration (DSA), took the opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army for its support in infrastructural development and cyber warfare initiatives at the DSA.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
