The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says that the Nigerian Army has all it takes to tackle complex security challenges currently facing the nation.
The COAS said this while declaring open the maiden Senior Command and leadership seminar on Tuesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar was organised by the Army 4 Special Forces, Doma.
The COAS, represented by Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq-Ndalolo, the Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, said that the seminar would equip senior army officers with the necessary skills towards combating contemporary security challenges.
The COAS, who thanked troops for their sacrifices and efforts in maintaining peace and security in the nation, promised to prioritise their welfare.
He particularly promised regular training for troops to enhance their capabilities in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the nation.
“This seminar is a platform designed to equip the participants with the necessary skills towards upholding and protecting the image of the army amidst the increasing complex security environment.
“The theme of the seminar, ‘Enhancing Operational Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment’, is significant in tackling the current insecurity in the country.
“The contemporary security environment is characterised by asymmetric threats, including insurgency, banditry, farmers-herders clashes, kidnapping, militancy and terrorism across the borders of many nations.
“The Nigerian army must be prepared to confront these challenges headlong, using innovative tactics and strategies to defeat those causing havoc in the country,” he said.
The COAS, who commended the troops for the successes recorded in recent past, promised to provide modern equipment that would enable them sustain the feats.
“We will establish a standard special forces training school here in Doma; we will also provide other necessary combat training equipment across the nation.
“I, therefore, urge our troops to remain loyal and committed to the Nigerian army’s core values of discipline, professionalism, and selflessness,”he urged
Speaking, Maj.-Gen. Hilary Nzan, the Commander of Army 4 Special Forces, Doma, said that the seminar was designed to equip the personnel with the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed in the contemporary and dynamic security environment.
He added that the special forces had established strong collaboration with other security agencies in combating all contemporary security threats, particularly within border communities.
“The Nigerian army will not relent in its quest toward defeating any threat to national security,”he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Abdullahi Sule commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts towards ensuring peace in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor promised to support the security agencies with operational vehicles and other logistics to ensure security of lives and property in the state.
NAN
