By Tola Gbadamosi

The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, has called on the Nigerian Army to adopt emerging technologies to enhance battlefield performance across its theatres of operation.

Aligbe made the call  at the opening of the Department of Research and Development In-House Study Period 2025, held at the TRADOC headquarters Auditorium in Minna, Niger State.

He was represented by the Chief of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (CRDT&E), TRADOC NA, Major General Aminu Chinade.

In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, and made available to The Hope Metro, the Commander noted that the study period was organised to build capacity and broaden the horizons of officers and soldiers of TRADOC NA on contemporary research and development issues.

He further explained that the theme of the study period, “Building Capacity for Research and Development Initiative for Military Operations Within a Multi-Agency Environment,” aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Command Philosophy.

He underscored the significance of research and development in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, robotics, and others.

According to Major General Aligbe, the in-house study period would provide an avenue for participants to engage in fruitful deliberations and meaningful cross-fertilisation of ideas during lectures and interactive sessions, aimed at deriving maximum benefit from the exercise.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing the necessary resources for the conduct of the study period and for his unwavering support towards TRADOC NA activities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, TRADOC NA, Major General Chinade, described the study period as a crucial milestone in refining strategies and fostering a culture of continuous learning within the Nigerian Army.

His address was delivered on his behalf by the Director of Research and Development, TRADOC NA, Brigadier General Martins Eteng.

Major General Chinade noted that the world stands at the threshold of a new era, where technology is redefining industrialisation, revolutionising the way people live and work, and unlocking unprecedented opportunities in both civil and military domains globally.

The two-day event is expected to generate ideas that will shape military operations, particularly on the modern battlefield.