COAS Urges Army to be Committed to Nation’s Protection
By Aisha S Rabo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya has urged the military to re-dedicate themselves to the nation’s protection from internal and external threats.
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference held at Army Headquarters command mess 1 Asokoro, Abuja.
The COAS commended field commanders, officers, and soldiers for their dedication to their constitutional roles.
He said, “I, therefore, urge you all in this Conference to contribute freely and effectively towards improving our performances across the Theatre and other spheres of our engagements.”
He recalled the state of security in Nigeria on the assumption of command which he said was marked by heightened insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West as well as agitation for secession and sundry disturbances in other parts of the Country.
“Consequently, my focus was directed towards improved personnel development to reinvigorate and rejuvenate the troops towards achieving the constitutional mandate of the NA,” he added.
Furthering, the Army Chief has been largely achieved with the increasing re-equipping of the Nigerian Army which has made the force better poised to tackle the myriad of contemporary and emerging security threats.
“The increased deployments of NA troops in various theatres of operations across the country as well as the creation of new units and forward operating bases have provided the much-needed impetus in our operations with several successes recorded.”
“Our modest successes against the terrorists in the Northeast are being recognized and applauded in the global index. Our untiring efforts and gains against armed bandits and other violent criminals in the Northwest and North Central, Secessionists in the South East and other criminals in other geo-political zones are also gaining success.”
He said that the military has achieved much success through increased synergy with other security agencies and stakeholders, adding that training activities such as Ex RESTORE HOPE and Ex PROJECT STINGER in conjunction with foreign partners are yielding the desired results and would be accordingly sustained.
He expressed joy that in line with his vision to promote jointness in operations, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute successfully in several joint operations across the country.
“We will continue to work assiduously with the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force as well as other security agencies and relevant stakeholders towards ensuring enduring peace in our dear nation.”
The COAS used the medium to thank President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for making the much-needed provisions and for his strategic guidance, his continuous support, and confidence reposed in them.
“The Nigerian Army has also intensified its civil-military relations efforts and imbibed the best global practices in the conduct of various operations in line with the principles of the Laws of Armed Conflict as well as promotion and respect for fundamental human rights.”
This was most evident in the professional conduct of troops during Operation SAFE CONDUCT while in support of Civil Authorities during the conduct of the Anambra State elections in November 2021. This would be the benchmark for any such engagements in the future,” he added.
According to him, in a bid to consolidate the successes attained so far, deliberate efforts would be made throughout this conference to appraise the ongoing activities.
“Our discussions would be focused on achieving the overall objective of better positioning the Nigerian Army to decisively confront the prevailing security challenges in the country. Such timely evaluation is critical in galvanizing our collective strength and eliminating our weaknesses.”
Concluding, the Chief of Army Staff expressed optimism that the Conference will generate robust deliberations as well as strategies to spur the Nigerian Army to greater heights.
