The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has flagged off three Nigerian Army Field Training Exercises in Emene, Enugu state as part of concerted and relentless effort to support civil authorities in tackling diverse security challenges bedeviling the country.
The flag off which took place on Monday, 4th October 2021 symbolically activated the exercises in four geopolitical zones of the country according to a statement by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Conducted simultaneously
Lieutenant General Yahaya identified the exercises as Exercise STILL WATER, ENDURING PEACE and Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, which will be conducted simultaneously in South South, South East, South West and North Central Nigeria respectively.
“These exercises, would seek to confront the multifaceted and contemporary security challenges prevalent in different parts of the country. He noted that the exercises aim to restore law and order in the affected regions, as well as create enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.” COAS said.
The COAS further charged officers and soldiers to remain professional, steadfast and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities in consonance with the objectives of the exercises.
Provisions of the Constitution
He urged the troops to ensure respect and protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the populace in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they discharge their responsibilities.
The Army Chief, however, enjoined the citizenry to be law abiding and co-operate with security agencies to restore law and order in the country.
He stated that the exercises, which would later metamorphose into real operations, would witness collaborations with other security agencies in exchange of ideas and sharing of intelligence.
“It will be conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Air Force, Immigration, NDLEA, NSCDC, FRSC, Federal Fire Service, as well as other stakeholders who will provide necessary support for the exercise,” he stated.
Also speaking during the flag off, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, in his address, assured the COAS of the readiness of the Division in conjunction with sister security agencies to combat all security threats and crimes within the region.
He warned all criminal elements to desist from their atrocious activities or face the wrath of the law.
To fulfil his pledge to empower Regimental Sergeant Majors ( RSMs) of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff presented a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the 82 Division RSM. “This empowerment scheme“, he noted, “will enable the RSMs to effectively carry out their duties as custodians of traditions and regimentation of the NA.”
The flag off was witnessed by Commanders, heads and representatives of sister security agencies domiciled in Enugu state.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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