The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya says the improved synergy between the Armed Forces and sister security agencies has had great positive impact on operations across all theaters.
The Army Chief said more collaboration will be sort with other partners and the Nigerian Army would continue to work assiduously with other security agencies to attain given mandate.
General Yahaya stated this while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff first Quarter Conference 2022 at the Command Officer’s Mess in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital on Tuesday.
The Army Chief stated that; “the much needed impetus has been provided for the troops in operations and several successes have been recorded which are direct results of increased deployments of the Nigerian Army in various theatres of operations across the country, as well as the creation of new units and forward operating bases.”
“Our modest successes against the terrorists in the Northeast are being recognised and applauded at global level, our untiring efforts and gains against armed bandits, 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. This has been achieved through increased synergy with our sister services, other security agencies and stakeholders,” General Yahaya explained.
General Yahaya further stated that that when he came on board, he directed focus towards improved personnel development, to re-invigorate the troops towards achieving the constitutional mandate of the Army.
According to the COAS, this 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.
He said; “furthermore, 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.
“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.”
“Within the last year, the Nigerian Army had embarked on a number of infrastructure development projects, undertook further force restructuring, as well as optimised logistical support amongst others.
“The procurement and deployment of several platforms, particularly Armoured Fighting Vehicles and Artillery pieces into the theatres of operations have immensely enhanced our performance. The professional employment of these hardwares coupled with good leadership provided by field commanders have led to the successes recorded so far” General Yahaya explained.
The Army Chief therefore emphasised that deliberate efforts would be made at the conference to appraise ongoing activities of the Army in a bid to consolidate on the successes attained so far.
This he added is to better position the Nigerian Army to decisively confront the prevailing security challenges in the country.
The Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Anthony Omozoje called on participants at the conference to make invaluable contributions that would improve national security.
He said as the country draws close to the general election, it becomes imperative for the Army to review its operational activities.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
