Asma’u Halilu, Kaduna
The former Chief of Army Staff, now appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, says President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to their operational and administrative needs has been pivotal to the successes achieved so far.
He stated this at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow XI Firepower Demonstration, held at the Nigerian Army military training range Kachia, Kaduna State.
Oluyede was represented by Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training, Army, who said that the Nigerian Army would continue to strengthen its capacity to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
“This year’s exercise was themed, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment’.”
Oluyede expressed delight in witnessing the exercise and commended the artillery corps for their efforts.
He said the exercise was aimed at enhancing the professional skills, knowledge, and expertise of troops in artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Oluyede emphasized the importance of adequate training and equipment maintenance for enhanced operational effectiveness, while commending the artillery corps for harnessing indigenous solutions for gun repairs and research and development initiatives.
He praised the integration of emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, making immense sacrifices to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved nation.
“However, the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s threat landscape demand a holistic approach to the conduct of our operations. We must keep our minds open to learning, not only from exercises, but also from practical experiences in the field.”
He appreciated President Tinubu for his steadfast support and strategy and thanked the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as retired senior gunner officers.
Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar, said the exercise was a field training exercise that aimed to test artillery personnel on the planning, preparation, employment, and deployment of artillery resources in various warfare scenarios.
Abubakar explained that the exercise included a study period, operations orders, and briefs, culminating in a firepower demonstration showcasing the Corps’ capabilities.
He added that the exercise was conducted in line with Army Headquarters’ training directives and that the exercise introduced several innovations, including mental health awareness and a novelty volleyball match.
Abubakar reassured the Chief of Army Staff that the corps would continue to sustain its efforts in providing effective fire support to Nigerian Army operations.
Olusola Akintonde