AWCN Charts New Frontiers in Forest Security with Strategic Tour of Three African Nations
…Participants of Course 9/2025 explore regional models in Uganda, Botswana, and Tanzania
By Pan Afric Reporters ABUJA, Nigeria – June 15, 2025 – The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) has successfully concluded a transformative Geo-Strategic Study Tour across three African nations—Uganda, Botswana, and Tanzania—aimed at enhancing strategic awareness and fostering innovative approaches to forest reserve security as a component of national defence.
The week-long exercise, held from 8 to 14 June 2025, was organized for participants of Course 9/2025 under the theme: “Security of Forest Reserves for Enhanced National Defence.” The theme highlights an evolving recognition of the critical link between environmental sustainability and regional security.
The participants were divided into three teams, each assigned to a different country. Team 1 visited Uganda, Team 2 toured Botswana, and Team 3 engaged with stakeholders in Tanzania. These nations were chosen for their progressive efforts in forest conservation, national park protection, and community-led environmental initiatives—providing a valuable learning model for Nigeria.
Throughout the tour, participants engaged in high-level discussions with government ministries, defence institutions, forest management authorities, and research bodies. These engagements provided deep insights into the integration of civil-military collaboration in protecting forest reserves, as well as non-kinetic strategies to counter threats from ungoverned forest regions—areas often exploited by insurgents and criminal elements.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, the Commandant of AWCN commended the participants for their professionalism and urged them to reflect critically on the complex security challenges facing Nigeria’s forest zones.
“Forests are not just environmental assets—they are strategic spaces. The knowledge gained from this tour must translate into actionable strategies that strengthen Nigeria’s national defence, particularly against insurgency, banditry, and other transnational threats,” he stated.
He further emphasized the importance of combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing emerging security threats, especially those linked to environmental degradation and unregulated forest access.
Accompanying the participants on the tour were Brigadier General UM Aliyu from the Army Headquarters Department of Training and Brigadier General MB Usman from the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army. Both served as observers, ensuring institutional oversight and aligning the exercise with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to high standards in strategic education.
The Geo-Strategic Study Tour marks a significant step in AWCN’s mission to develop forward-thinking military leaders capable of tackling Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape—where the intersection of environment and defence policy is becoming increasingly prominent.
