Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were five presentations made by the Subject Experts on West Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Central America, Nigeria, Western Europe and India Sub-continent.
The first presentation by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea, discussed on how Idris Elba Building Wind-Powered Eco-City on Island in Sierra Leone. The CNN reports on 14 March 2024 that the British-born actor, Idris Elba is staying true to his brand ambassador role in his father’s native Sierra Leone by creating a wind-powered city where people from around the world can come to live, work, invest, and play. The development comes as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Elba signed with the local government in 2019 to develop an economic hub on Sierra Leone’s Sherbo Island.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that, the project is deemed the biggest eco-engineering adaptation in West Africa. It aims to mitigate coastal threats, increase housing stock, and boost the local economy of Lagos by attracting foreign direct investment; in order words, an adaptation that balances resilience planning with environmental, social, and economic benefits. The Federal Government of Nigeria could encourage state governments and private investors to embark on the development of eco cities as part of their Urban renewal programmes. The FGN could also ensure that urban renewal focuses on evolving strategies that will encourage communities to establish local agendas for developing participatory structures. Such local body would develop collaboration with necessary state government ministries and nongovernmental organizations.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should ensure that urban renewal focuses on evolving strategies that will encourage communities to establish local agendas for developing participatory structures. The Federal Government of Nigeria should ensure the integration of security considerations into the design, implementation, and governance of eco-cities to create sustainable, resilient, and secure urban environments.
The second presentation by Brig Gen ED Idimah Subject Experts on Central America, centered his presentation on, Panama Denies any Knowledge of Iranian Ship on its Registry. Panama’s Maritime Authority, on Monday 18 March 2024 said that they did not know of any ships owned by Iranians being on their registry. The United States had asked Panama to ban Iranian vessels sanctioned by Washington from using its flag, as there were concerns that Panamanian-flagged vessels were being used to transport Iranian oil. However, Panama stated that they have not received any formal requests to cancel registries since 2020.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brigadier General Idimah noted that, the situation between the United States, Panama, and Iran provides a valuable lesson for Nigeria, some of which are; Protecting National Security: Nigeria should prioritize the protection of its national security and interests. Just like the United States, it is important for Nigeria to be vigilant and cautious about potential threats or activities that could undermine its security. Balancing International Relations, Nigeria should carefully navigate its relationships with different countries and consider the potential consequences of its decisions. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in international relations, taking into account the interests of various stakeholders.
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigerian should establish and maintain strong relationship with other nations to exchange relevant intelligence that will enhance security in our maritime domain. FGN should intensity efforts to combat illegal oil trade that may contribute to terrorist financing. FGN through the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Navy (NN) and other relevant agencies should enhance its maritime security by means of surveillance, monitoring of vessel activities, enforcing and maintaining regulations and collaborating with international partners to combat any potential threat.
The third presenter Brig Gen WD Nasiru Subject Expert on Indian Sub – Continent discussed, Reserve Bank of India Warns Banks of Increase in Cyber Threats. On 18th March 2024, times of India reported that, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), asked some banks to brace for heightened threats of cyber-attacks. This follows the latest round of Cyber Security and Information Technology Examination (CSITE). Comprehensive assessment aimed at evaluating the cyber resilience of financial institutions in India. The RBI is also said to have provided action points wherever deficiencies were cited.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen Nasiru pointed out that, In Nigeria, phishing attacks, in which cybercriminals pose as legitimate institutions in order to trick unsuspecting individuals into disclosing sensitive information, have become more common. According to a report published in 2023 by cyber security firm Check Point Research, over 1.3 million phishing attempts were detected in the first half of the year alone. This alarming data emphasizes the need for increased public awareness campaigns to educate customers about phishing scams and protect them from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
He recommended that, CBN should direct banks and all other financial institutions to review and implement robust identity verification procedures to prevent further fraudulent account creation and transactions. NIMC should work towards establishing regular guidelines on data collection, storage, and usage to safeguard customer’s information. NACWC should continue to fine tune its strategies to protect NA vital data and ICT assets.
The fourth presenter Brig Gen CC Ogbu Subject Expert on Nigeria, focused on Probe of Troops Killings in Delta. On Friday, 22 March 2024, Leadership Newspaper reported that a former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called for an independent probe of the murder of 17 soldiers and officers in Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The security expert during an interview with Channels TV, on Thursday, 21 March 2024, added that an objective inquiry will indict some very important personalities.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen Ogbu stressed that, despite so many versions of stories, it is expected that a thorough investigation would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, certain deductions could be made from the sad occurrence. According to Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd.) while on Channels TV Morning Brief breakfast show as a guest on Monday, 18 March 2024, He noted that “the soldiers went for peace mission and not to fight”. He also added that “the soldiers would not have been killed if they had been prepared for battle. If they were going with the mentality of an attack, even as few as they were, the villagers would not have been able to surround and dastardly murder them the way they did”.
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigeria should institute an independent, high-level probe of the circumstances surrounding the heartless murder of 17 NA personnel in Okuama community. The FGN should review and revisit the Niger Delta amnesty programme on militants. The NA should re-address its increasing involvement in IS duties while improving on its training, retraining and equipping of troops. The FGN, State Governors and LGA authorities should continually demonstrate good governance through judicious utilization of statutory allocations and security votes.
The fifth presentation by Maj Gen GU Chibuisi subject expert on Western Europe, Centered his presentation on how France Calls Russian Spy Chief’s Remarks Irresponsible Provocation. France’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday, 19 February 2024, called remarks made by Sergei Naryshkin, the Chief of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, disinformation and irresponsible after Sergei Naryshkin suggested that France was preparing to send 2,000 troops to Ukraine. The French Defense Ministry viewed the comment as another illustration of Russia’s systematic use of disinformation and capped it by stating that “We (France) consider this type of provocation irresponsible.”
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Maj Gen GU Chibuisi pointed out that, Nigeria possesses all attributes of a regional leader with population, natural resources, financial means, and military capabilities. Consequently, the nation has been instrumental in both regional conflict management and shaping the West African security architecture at large. At the same time, Nigeria continues to be faced by manifold internal challenges, which threaten to undermine her hegemonic prerogative. Nigeria’s approach to sub-regional security has been largely shaped by the national role conceived for it in international relations by its leaders.
He recommended that, Federal Government of Nigeria should conduct a comprehensive review of existing policies and align them with Nigeria’s long-term national interest goals, ensuring coherence and consistency in its domestic and foreign dealings and also foster inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and private sector entities, to solicit diverse perspectives and ensure that Nigeria’s national interest reflects the collective aspirations of its people. The FGN should prioritize diplomatic engagements that uphold Nigeria’s national interest while promoting mutually beneficial partnerships with other nations, guided by principles of reciprocity, fairness, and respect for sovereignty.
