Major General AbdulSalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has emphasized the importance of contingency and campaign planning in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Speaking at a sensitization lecture for officers of Headquarters 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, the GOC described the exercise as a professional necessity for the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.
“This exercise is not merely academic but an essential endeavor that underpins our ability to respond to asymmetric threats such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry,” he stated. “The dynamic nature of these threats demands carefully planned and adaptive responses, making today’s lecture pivotal to achieving success on the battlefield and maintaining national security.”
Highlighting the significance of planning, Major General Abubakar quoted General Dwight Eisenhower, who famously said, “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” He stressed that while no plan can perfectly predict future events, the process sharpens thinking, fosters collaboration, and prepares personnel to adapt to changing circumstances. He urged participants to approach the lecture with an open mind and actively engage in discussions to strengthen their skills as planners and leaders.
The GOC also commended the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, for his support in enhancing the division’s operational success. He expressed gratitude to the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations and the Directorate of Campaign Planning for recognizing the importance of the division and facilitating the lecture.
Representing the Chief of Operations Campaign Plans, Major General A.M. Alechenu, the Deputy Chief of Operations Campaign Plans, explained the role of contingency planning in preparing for unforeseen circumstances. He noted that contingency plans provide clear guidelines for troops to respond to emergencies, such as insurgent attacks or barrack security threats. “When you have a contingency plan, it tells you what to do, where to move, and how to prevent any incursion from adversaries,” he explained.
The lecture, which followed a recent stakeholder engagement and seminar, aimed to equip officers with practical strategies to ensure the safety of citizens during the harvest and festive seasons. Major General Abubakar concluded by urging participants to actively participate, seek clarifications, and translate their knowledge into actionable strategies on the battlefield.
