Nigerian president urges for stronger military cooperation in Africa

ABUJA, July 21 (Xinhua) --

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged for stronger military cooperation among African countries in the Lake Chad region, saying there is also the need to reform the military doctrine and practices to combat common threats.

Speaking at a military event in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna, Tinubu said the change in tactics has become necessary because the countries in the region are battling a "mobile and elusive irregular force" that disregards established rules of warfare.

   The president pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare, acknowledging the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

   While describing the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa's greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as "crucial," he urged them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

   The Nigerian leader also used the occasion to spell out his national security objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

   He said as Nigeria's commander-in-chief, he aimed to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure the security of citizens and property in a just and democratic society.

   Tinubu added that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance, and mutual respect.