The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has directed the troops of 1 Division to decisively deal with bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the security of the nation.
The Army Chief gave the directive on Wednesday, 10 November 2021, while on an operational tour of Headquarters 1 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Kaduna where he described the emerging security threats as real.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
General Yahaya, who was received and conducted round Forward Operational Bases Sabo Birnin and Rigassa by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Major General Kabiru Muktar, also charged the troops to be ingenious in their training and operational engagements, to effectively tackle insecurity in their areas of responsibility.
The COAS urged the troops to remain committed to ensuring security of lives and property of the citizenry, maintaining that it is crucial for officers and soldiers to always cultivate cordial civil-military relations with members of their host communities and the general public as critical stakeholders and catalyst for operational success.
He however warned the troops against indulging in any act inimical to ongoing operations. He affirmed his resolve to promptly address cogent challenges confronting the troops in the execution of their tasks.
In furtherance of his commitment to empowering and enhancing the functionality of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff presented a brand new Toyota Hilux to the RSM of Headquarters 1 Division, Master Warrant Officer, Auwalu Taudo.
General Yahaya pointed out that the presentation of vehicles to RSMs is targeted at restoring the prestige associated with the office of the RSM as custodians of regimentation and discipline in Nigerian Army, adding that RSMs play vital roles in grooming and shaping the regimental lives of young officers and soldiers.
Dominica Nwabufo
