By Yemi Monday
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called for a holistic review of Nigeria Army operational strategies and preparedness to effectively protect the sovereignty of the country.
Though he hailed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for a robust security strategies across the country, the Governor opined that more can still be done in order to win the ongoing fight against insecurity and other forms of banditry facing the country.
Speaking while declaring open the 2023 Combat Arms Training Week in Bauchi on Monday, the Governor said since the inception of his administration, he has noted with appreciation, the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling the prevalent security threats across the state.
He further appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his robust security formations and units deployed into the State for effective management of all forms of security.
Bala Mohammed also said that the Nigerian Army alongside other security agencies, have made tremendous efforts in keeping Bauchi State safe and secured as their presence has given the State unprecedented security and made it one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria.
He however called for a holistic review of the operational strategies and preparedness of the Army in view of the myriad of security challenges bedeviling the country and suggested that the amorphous nature of the current security challenges in Nigeria requires the use of kinetic and non-kinetic means, as well as multi-faceted strategies to effectively tackle them.
According to him: “It is my honour and privilege to be invited to this year’s Combat Arms Training Week as a Special Guest. I wish to welcome the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya to Bauchi State, the pearl of tourism for this very important event.
“I understand that the event is aimed at assessing the combat readiness and efficiency of the infantry and Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army. This would help in developing strategies to correct any observed operational difficulties and ultimately put the Nigerian Army in a better position to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support in maintaining internal peace and security as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“In line with global best practice, it is usual for forces to train regularly in order to maintain combat readiness. It is not therefore out of place for the combat arms to constantly engage officers and men in training. I am pleased to note that the Nigerian Army is currently being re-positioned to professionally contain all forms of threats to Nigeria from both within and outside its borders.
“It is to the credit of the Armed Forces that Boko Haram menace has been substantially brought under control. I would like to commend Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, for providing the visionary leadership to transform the Nigerian Army in particular and the military as a whole.”
“Let me also commend the Chief of Army Staff for maintaining high standards of professionalism in the Nigerian Army through his unique leadership style and quest to build capacity through consistent training and welfare programmes. I will also appreciate the existing cordial relationship between officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the civilian population in Bauchi State.”
The Governor therefore assured the Chief of Army Staff of the continued support and corporation of the Bauchi State government to the Nigerian Army to enable it to effectively perform its constitutional responsibilities.
In a key note address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya said that the Combat Arms Training Week is part of efforts to enhance the operational effectiveness of the participants for efficiency in a joint arms environment.
Faruk Yahaya, who appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for improved funding to the Nigerian Army, reiterated the readiness of the Army towards adopting strategies to sustain its gains in defending the country against all forms of insecurity.
He said that the Nigerian Army will utilize the support of “international entities” to defeat the various threats confronting the country.
According to him, the combat arms of the Nigerian Army have been performing creditably well in the discharge of their assigned mission in various internal and foreign operational environments with remarkable successes.
He added that the successes recorded were due to the resolve and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to support the Military in performing its constitutional responsibilities through improved funding, clear strategic directives and provision of needed logistics.
According to him, “We shall utilize the support of international entities to defeat the various threats confronting Nigeria. These measures as vigorously pursued and sustained will make the Nigerian Army and indeed the combat arms better equipped to take on present and future security challenges.
“It is also imperative for the combat arms and indeed all other components of the Nigerian Army to continue to look inward and make the best use of available resources.”
“Let me reaffirm that the Nigerian Army will continue to evolve along with the dynamics of the society.”
General Yahaya also said that the Nigeria Army has succeeded in reducing number of deaths being recorded as a result of activities of terrorists across the country.
He said that the successes followed the review of the Nigerian Army Strategy and active collaboration with relevant security agencies in dealing with security issues confronting the country.
The COAS assured that the military is committed to sustaining the gains by enhancing the capacity of its personnel through training and retaining.
