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The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, has officially declared open the Cyber Security and Digital Forensics training programme, describing it as a critical milestone in enhancing operational leadership, strengthening institutional capacity, and improving understanding of the evolving global security environment.
Speaking during the opening ceremony in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ahmed emphasised that in today’s highly interconnected world, security challenges are no longer isolated, as threats emerging in one region can quickly spread across borders and impact global stability.
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He noted that the training is timely, given the growing complexity of modern security threats, particularly in the cyber domain, where attacks on national and corporate systems are becoming more sophisticated and frequent.
The Commandant stated that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping participants with the skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cyber threats, while also enhancing their leadership and critical thinking abilities.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by engaging actively with facilitators and resource persons, stressing the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and ethical decision-making in tackling contemporary security challenges.
In his remarks, the Provost of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS), Prof. Adam Okene Ahmed, commended the Commandant for supporting programmes aligned with the strategic objectives of the College. He highlighted the importance of the training in advancing research, leadership development, and institutional growth.
The Provost also disclosed that the programme has attracted international participation, including a delegate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting the growing regional and global relevance of the College’s training initiatives. He expressed optimism that the Centre would continue to expand its reach, leveraging both physical and digital platforms to attract wider participation.
According to organisers, the course focuses on enhancing participants’ ability to identify, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats, as well as develop expertise in the scientific collection and preservation of digital evidence. The training is expected to improve investigative processes and ensure that digital evidence meets legal standards for prosecution.
Hosted by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, an ECOWAS Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations and defence training, the programme targets middle-level military officers, including Lieutenant Colonels and senior Majors, alongside their civilian counterparts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), paramilitary organisations, civil society, and the private sector.
Participants are undergoing a tailored curriculum designed to promote inter-agency collaboration, strengthen defence management principles, and address emerging security threats through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
At the end of the programme, participants are expected to emerge with enhanced technical expertise and strategic insight, positioning them as frontline defenders against cyber threats within their respective organisations.
