Nigerian Army Launches Manual Wargaming Drill to Sharpen Tactical Combat Skills

By Zainab Bakare

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In a bold move to strengthen combat preparedness, the Nigerian Army has launched a week-long Manual Wargaming Workshop in Minna, designed to sharpen the tactical thinking and decision-making skills of field commanders.

The exercise, codenamed Exercise MUNGAMA AIKI, is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA) at the Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya Manual Wargaming Centre.

The initiative brings together commanders from various formations for rigorous, non-digital battlefield simulations aimed at improving operational outcomes.

Declaring the workshop open on Tuesday, Commander TRADOC NA, Major General Kelvin Aligbe, described the programme as “mission-oriented” and essential for producing commanders who can think decisively under pressure.

“This is not just another training exercise—it’s a transformation initiative. We want commanders who think out of the box, apply unconventional tactics, and deliver results that matter,” Aligbe stated.

Structured as a train-the-trainer model, participants are expected to replicate the wargaming methodology in their respective units, thereby standardising operational planning across command levels.

Major General Aligbe said the exercise comes at a critical time when Nigeria is facing multidimensional threats, from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and cyber warfare.

He noted that manual wargaming provides a low-cost, high-impact way to test and refine battlefield strategies before deployment.

“Simulations like these help commanders hone their judgment and responsiveness in real-world conflict,” he added, while commending the Chief of Army Staff for visionary leadership.

Also speaking, Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development TRADOC NA, Major General Jamiu Jimoh, represented by Brigadier General Muhammed Abubakar, emphasised the relevance of manual wargaming as a strategic planning tool that promotes unified operational language and risk assessment.

The workshop has drawn participants from various Army formations and training institutions across Nigeria.