Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced that the Nigerian Army is enhancing its use of simulation technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to boost battlefield decision-making and operational preparedness. This initiative was revealed during the commencement of a Simulation Training Seminar at the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) in Giri, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shaibu was represented by Maj.-Gen. Umar Yusuf, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support Assistance Team, at the event. He emphasized that simulation technology would allow commanders to practice operational plans, predict adversary actions, and identify capability gaps before they became evident in real operations. This technology is seen as a vital tool for analyzing threats, testing plans, and aligning the Army’s strengths against enemy weaknesses.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu asserted that simulation extends beyond a mere training aid, serving as a crucial command tool for supporting data analysis, enhancing predictive capabilities, and enabling commanders to leverage strengths against identified vulnerabilities of adversaries. He highlighted the importance of the LFSCN as a hub for wargaming current and future operational strategies, testing doctrines, and refining contingencies. The center is expected to continuously learn from operational theaters to detect deficiencies in plans and bridge gaps before they become apparent during execution.
Shaibu further stated that simulation-based training would improve combat readiness while decreasing the financial and logistical expenses related to live exercises, ammunition use, and equipment wear. He described the seminar, themed ‘Harnessing Simulation Technologies to Strengthen Nigerian Army’s Roles across Joint, Multi-Agency and Combined Operational Environments,’ as timely and in line with his command philosophy of transforming the Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force.
He encouraged seminar participants to apply the lessons learned to enhance wargaming, operational planning, command decisions, and mission outcomes.
Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Wabili, Director-General of LFSCN, remarked on the increasing use of emerging technologies by both security forces and terrorists. He noted that technologies like robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence, and simulation software are readily accessible due to their dual-use applications, necessitating the Army to constantly refine strategies and integrate new technologies to maintain an edge over adversaries.
Wabili stated that the LFSCN is uniquely positioned to use advanced simulation software for continuous validation of operational and contingency plans. The seminar, which concludes on Thursday, aims to develop practical methodologies and recommendations to strengthen simulation-based training and operational planning within the Nigerian Army.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that the COAS inaugurated the Shooting Simulation Range at the center.