By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has officially declared the 2025 edition of Exercise Haske Biyu closed, commending participants for their professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit throughout the intensive three-week multi-agency training.
The exercise, hosted at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, was designed to enhance interoperability among Nigeria’s security stakeholders and foster synergy with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Family and National Security,” underscored the vital role of family units in sustaining national security, stability, and cohesion.
CDS Applauds Strategic Impact
General Musa lauded the Commandant and the AFCSC community for their exceptional efforts in hosting the exercise, noting that the programme reinforced the College’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s internal security operations through rigorous training and intellectual engagement.
He emphasized the importance of the chosen theme, highlighting the integration of family dynamics, civic responsibility, and moral resilience as critical pillars in safeguarding the nation.
According to him, “the security of the nation begins with strong families and cohesive communities.”
The CDS also expressed appreciation for the attendance of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the opening ceremony. He described her keynote address as inspiring and a testament to the national importance of the programme.
Urging participants to translate lessons learned into actionable strategies, General Musa said the exercise would significantly enrich their professional conduct in both operational and strategic assignments going forward.
He further commended AFCSC for consistently producing world-class officers and fostering partnerships crucial to Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.
AFCSC Commandant Highlights Family as Foundation of Security
In his remarks, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Alhaji, reiterated the importance of family as the bedrock of morality, discipline, patriotism, and social stability.
He warned that weak family structures could foster avenues for chaos, extremism, and disunity, threatening national cohesion.
He noted that the exercise provided a platform for robust dialogue and practical solutions to national security challenges, empowering participants as stakeholders in Nigeria’s peace and development.
AVM Alhaji disclosed that next year’s edition would focus on consolidating the gains of 2025 and would draw participation from the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, as well as civil society and special interest groups, including persons with disabilities, to promote inclusivity, resilience, and national unity.
Additional Highlights
As part of the closing ceremony, General Musa inaugurated the remodelled Staff Duties Wing of the College, further strengthening AFCSC’s capacity for advanced training.
Participants of Haske Biyu 2025 were drawn from Senior Course 47/2024 of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, alongside representatives from ministries, departments, agencies, the media, non-governmental organizations, strategic partners, and other professional groups.
