The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has underscored the strategic importance of indigenous languages in enhancing community engagement and intelligence gathering within military operations.
General Oluyede made this assertion during the Indigenous Languages Course 18/25 graduation ceremony held at the in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Lawrence Fejokwu.
Addressing the graduating officers, Oluyede congratulated them on their achievement and urged them to apply their newly acquired language skills in the field. He noted that effective communication with local communities is essential for intelligence gathering, especially in internal security operations.
“You are to use the new language you have learnt to interact with communities where you are deployed. Learning a second language is not only important, it is a crucial tool for your work. Practise it, rehearse it, and hold it dear,” he advised.
The COAS also commended the Resource Centre for its discipline, adherence to training schedules, and commitment to excellence.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (Rtd), noted that the Nigerian Army has a formal language policy aimed at bridging communication gaps between military personnel and host communities.
Wahab stressed that intelligence stems from information shared by communities and that language is key to building trust and encouraging cooperation.
“Over 2,000 officers and soldiers have been trained in indigenous languages. Those in the field can now communicate more effectively with local populations, building trust and facilitating smoother operations,” he said.
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He added that playlets performed in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba during the ceremony were not just demonstrations of language proficiency, but vital tools for conveying messages that enhance civil-military relations and correct negative perceptions about the military.
“If I speak to you in your language, you are more likely to trust and believe in me. Language is a bridge to trust and confidence between the military and the people,” Wahab stated.
The Deputy Director of the Centre, Brigadier General A. Haruna, highlighted the objectives of the course, noting that it was designed to break down communication barriers during internal security operations and foster better interaction with local populations.
Certificates were presented to all graduating participants, marking their readiness to contribute more effectively to military engagements across diverse communities in Nigeria.
