Our achievements against terrorists gaining global recognition- COAS
By Aisha S Rabo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya said the Army’s successes against terrorists in the Northeast are being recognized and applauded in the global index.
General Yahaya said increased deployments of Nigerian Army 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 operations with several successes recorded.
The Army Chief made the remarks Tuesday, at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference at the Command Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
In his words: “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.
“This was achieved through increased synergy with our sister Services, other security agencies and stakeholders.”
He assured that he will remain focused on improved personnel development in order to re-invigorate and rejuvenate the troops towards achieving the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army.
General Yahaya emphasized 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.
“It is also heartwarming to note that in line with my 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.
Reeling out some of the successes recorded within the last year, General Yahaya said, the Nigerian Army had embarked on a number of infrastructural development projects, undertook further force restructuring, as well as optimized 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 this hardware coupled with astute leadership provided by field commanders have led to the successes recorded so far,” he added.
Earlier in his address, the Chief of Army Policy and Plans, Major General Anthony Omozoje noted that there has been significant progress in the Nigerian Army operations on all fronts as well as political activities in the country as the nation draws close to the general elections which have necessitated the conference to review the Army’s operations, with a view to improving its general performance.
He noted that participation in the conference has been expanded to accommodate other heads of Army training institutions and commanders, and called on participants to make useful contributions that will impact positively on the collective efforts to improve national security.
Our achievements against terrorists gaining global recognition- COAS
