The Nigerian Army, on Saturday, inaugurated a newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, marking a major milestone in the institution’s history and in the Army’s effort to deepen operational preparedness.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who performed the commissioning, said the project represents a significant leap in strengthening officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhancing military education, and preparing them for contemporary and future challenges.

He said that the AFCSC had continued to meet its mission of producing high-quality middle-level officers for the Armed Forces in support of national defence objectives.

Mr Shaibu, an alumnus of the college, said he was proud to remain associated with the institution and would continue to support it.

He praised the transformation ongoing in the Department of Land Warfare through key projects initiated by his predecessors, which he said have improved learning outcomes.

The COAS explained that the need to complement the Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre inspired the conception of the new facility.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, noting that the event would not have been possible without it.

Mr Shaibu also commended the AFCSC commandant, AVM Hassan Alhaji, and the director of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for their commitment toward the efficient execution of the project.

He urged the directing and administrative staff, as well as the students who were direct beneficiaries, to utilise and maintain the facility effectively.

In his remarks, Mr Alhaji said as a centre of excellence for professional military education, the college had continued to uphold global best practices in training middle-level officers for command and staff appointments in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He added that the strong performance of graduates in ongoing operations nationwide reflects the quality of instruction in the College.

Mr Alhaji explained that increasing demand for highly trained officers required improved support facilities and instructional technology.

He said that the TY Buratai Operations Centre could no longer accommodate the large number of students during single-service terms, making the new Wargaming Centre timely and essential.

Designed to support both Land Warfare students and joint exercises involving other departments and security agencies, Alhaji described the centre as a “world-class project by all standards and the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

He also praised the COAS for his transformational leadership and commitment to raising training standards in the Nigerian Army.

Earlier in a welcome address, Mr Ogili stated that the Army Headquarters’ drive toward improved training had significantly impacted the College, including infrastructure upgrades, training support, and welfare improvements.

Mr Ogili revealed that the ultramodern Wargaming Centre was conceptualised and initiated in 2024 by the late Mr Lagbaja.

It was fully adopted and completed under the immediate past COAS and current Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, highlighting continuity of vision across Army leadership.

He said the centre would serve as a valuable tool for training officers at tactical and operational levels by helping them hone decision-making skills, test hypotheses, analyse resource allocation, evaluate risks, and understand complex operational environments.

He also said the high-quality facility would boost morale, productivity, and learning interest.

Mr Ogili assured the COAS that the equipment would be well-maintained, thanking the AFCSC commandant for ensuring the project’s completion.

The facility’s features included: a 264-seater gallery, eight planning cells, a faculty room, a 3-D printer room, VIP lounge, car park, digital multimedia screen, digital bird-table and public address system.

Others were: CCTV cameras, cutting-edge simulation technology, and multi-functional command areas for joint, combined, and interagency scenarios.

The centre also boasts a 100 KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power.

Construction began in October 2024 and was completed and furnished by September 2025, an 11-month period.

The project was executed by ClemCharles Engineering and Construction Company Nigeria Ltd./Wals and Funs Nigeria Ltd.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officers, directing staff, students and members of the college community.

(NAN)