The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to deepen its research initiatives and develop innovative, knowledge-driven strategies to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, Shaibu made the remarks at the 10th anniversary of NARC on Wednesday in Abuja. He emphasised that the centre must consolidate its role as the Army’s premier think tank amid increasingly complex security threats.
“There is still much more to be done. As you commence the next decade, I charge the management and staff of the centre to build on current achievements and deepen your search for innovative solutions that can enhance operational and tactical outcomes in the field,” Shaibu said.
The COAS urged NARC to strengthen collaborations with local and international institutions to broaden research capacity and improve the quality of strategic insights for both the military and government. He also commended the centre for its research publications, training programmes, and policy guidance, describing it as “a beacon of knowledge and strategic power.”
Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said the anniversary symbolised “a decade of dedication to knowledge, strategic foresight and national service,” noting the centre’s growth from a small research outfit to a national hub for defence innovation, strategy development, and capacity building. He added that the centre is refocusing its next decade on deeper research, technology adoption, and global partnerships.
The event featured a lecture titled “Knowledge, Power and National Security in the 21st Century: Nigeria in Perspective”, delivered by former defence chief retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai. Also in attendance were two former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, alongside several retired and serving officers and other dignitaries. The occasion also marked the unveiling of the NARC Journal.
