The Nigerian Army has is taking significant steps to prevent the killing of its troops through ambush by terrorists and bandits with the planned delivery of Mine-resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles to it in the next few weeks.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who announced the procurement and planned delivery of the MRAP vehicles, said this is to ensure safety of its personnel in the battle against terrorists and economic saboteurs.
In the last one month alone, 24 Army officers and men were killed during ambush in Delta and Niger States while they were on peace missions.
The Army is engaged in different Internal Security Operations (ISOs) in virtually all the 36 States of the federation.
Lagbaja, who spoke on Thursday, added that the Aviation unit of the Army will soon take off.
MRAP vehicles are a family of automobiles designed to provide increased crew protection against operational threats, such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mines, and small arms. There are different categories of MRAPs with the most popular being Cougar 6×6, an advanced ballistic and blast-protected type that can seat 10 fully-equipped soldiers.
The Army Aviation is generally separate from the Air Force and usually has its own full complement of helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.
General Lagbaja, who did not give the number of the MRAPs being expected, told troops of the 23 Brigade at Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola in Adamawa State, that some of the assets for the NA Aviation would be on ground before July.
He told the troops that the awaited Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), the NA Aviation, and other projects were evidence of progress being made by the Army due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support.
He said: “The government, in its effort to reposition the Army, is doing a lot. In the next few weeks, we are expecting mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to enhance the conduct of our operations nationwide.
“With the support we are getting from Mr President, putting everything together, in the foreseeable future, I see the security situation across Nigeria improving tremendously.”
The Army chief also told the troops that he chose to visit them for a first-hand experience on their challenges and how they conduct their operations.
He added: “I want to encourage you to be unrelenting in the discharge of your duties. Is it anti-banditry, counter-terrorism, normal internal security operations? Whatever task you are given, you should take it as a duty that must be discharged creditably. The Army will address the challenges that confront you and your families.”