By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
A 5-day Nigerian Army (NA) joint simulation exercise known as EXERCISE LION HEART aimed at identifying some gaps in order to improve on operational proficiency of personnel is ongoing in Abuja.
Declaring the programme opened at Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) ,Giri, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya said the exercise would drive the implementation of artificial intelligence through the development of software simulation technology geared towards proffering solutions to the myriad of security emergencies in the country.
According to him, 2 softwares were created including the MASA Simulated War gaming for Operational Readiness and Doctrine (SWORD) and the Virtual Battle Space Series 4 software that could create various security threats scenarios which would availed the participants the opportunity to think through and proffer solutions.
Represented by the Director of Courses , Department of Training(Army), Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the Army Chief admonished the NA personnel
“to extensively deploy simulation technologies for capacity building and force multiplication in aid to ongoing military operations across the country.”
He expressed delight for the board steps taken by the LFSCN in collaborating with simulation technology–based organisations such as MASA Group of France and Bohemia Interactive Simulation, USA, noting that the collaboration would no doubt provide technical support towards achieving the set objectives of the exercise.
General Yahaya further charged all the participants to maximise the opportunity and benefits of the exercise, assuring that he would provide all the requisite administrative and world class logistic support for the centre for optimum performance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General LFSCN, Major General Felix Omoigui said the exercise would greatly enhanced the technical capacity of the personnel of the two centres, sister security services and other security agencies for operational planning and decision making.
According to him, the exercise would equally sharpen the skills of personnel of the centres and the Nigerian Army in the newly acquired simulation software.
He commended the COAS for his inflicting support to the centre and for providing the needed logistics for the exercise.
The exercise which is jointly organised by LFSCN and the Defence Simulation Centre Jaji is in line with the COAS’ vision, which is to have “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.” It would further cement the relationship between the NA, its sister services and other security agencies in the country.
Participants were drawn from all security agencies including the NA, and other sister security services , Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Fire Service , among others. They are expected to undergo rigorous physical activities and training aimed at enhancing their capacity for optimum performance
