President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Kaduna, spelt out his national security objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

Mr Tinubu spoke at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in Kaduna state.

While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the president pledged to “pick up the pace” by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure the security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.

”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he said.

He said Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region must display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.

The president noted that the change in tactics had become necessary because the countries in the region were battling a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregarded established rules of warfare.

The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

“We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.

”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear,” Mr Tinubu said.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the president said their presence in Nigeria was a testimony that national security is achieved through muscle and might and in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

(NAN)