Ensure Professionalism at all Times Chief of Army Staff Urges NAOSRE
Nigerian 22nd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, for its role in externalizing the counter insurgency efforts of the Nigerian Army under his Command in its reportage.
The Army Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General Markus Kangye, made the remark when the association’s President, Comrade Oyewale Femi led his team on a courtesy visit to Army headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking, the Army Chief harped on the important role of the media in nation building and urged NAOSRE to redouble its commitment.
He noted that the cardinal focus of NAOSRE, in harmonizing sustainable understanding between military and civilians, aligns with the Nigerian Army Department of Civil Military Affairs, DCMA, which was established to serve as an interface between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace.
He therefore, tasked NAOSRE on professionalism and called for stronger ties in the interest of a better and safer Nigeria.
He explained Army success story in building on-going civil-military relations which has led to better understanding between civilians and military, resulting in the continuous degrading of terrorists across Nigeria
“In Adamawa State, a woman approached me after one of our military-civil events and exclaimed that she never knew that Army could be this friendly.
“She thought she would be made to do frog jump when she came to the event. But she and others were surprised. They were all happy and we related like brothers and sisters.
“That is the kind of Army that is being led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. The Army, under Yahaya, is uncompromising in the respect for fundamental human rights and friendly engagements with civilians,” he stated.
Earlier, Comrade Oyewale Femi regaled the Army Chief of NAOSRE’s patriotic mission and promised to lend all necessary supports to the military so that Nigeria would be safe and remain a first choice to investors on the Continent.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Farouk Yahaya has lamented that insufficient funding may hamper their plans in combating terrorists and other criminals in Nigeria.
Yahaya stated that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning has set a ceiling for budget figures but that will make their budgetary allocation for 2022 grossly inadequate in fighting terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and other criminalities.
The COAS made the submission on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Army to defend the 2022 budget.
He appealed to the Senate to prevail on the Ministry to exclude the Nigerian Army from the budget ceiling so adequate funding can be available to them for the fight against insurgency in the country.
According to him, the Army proposed the sum of N710bn for its 2022 budget but the ceiling put in place by the Ministry forced the figures down to N579bn already which is too small to prosecute their activities.
He said, “In preparing for year 2022 budget, the Nigerian Army proposed about the sum of N710bn.
“However, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning budget ceiling reduced it to N579bn.
“This reduction would impede the capacity and tempo of the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional duties particularly the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorists and other criminalities across the country.
“The National Assembly should prevail on the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to exempt the Nigerian Army from the current budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.
“I therefore passionately appeal to this (Senate) committee to impress it on the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to begin the release of year 2022 Nigerian Army capital budget from the First Quarter 2022.
“This would help the Nigerian Army to rehabilitate dilapidated accommodations in over 138 barracks and training facilities across our units, and formations as well as procure the needed equipment and platforms to prosecute the war against terrorism and other criminalities across the country.”
He also told the lawmakers that a quick and timely release of budgetary allocations will not only boost the morale of operatives but also ensure the army is able to discharge its constitutional role of protecting the country and its citizens.
“The timely and complete implementation of the 2022 budget will thus enhance the fulfillment of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate and thus engender peace for socioeconomic development of our country Nigeria,” he said.
“You may wonder that this counter insurgency operation has lingered for too long. We all know globally that counter-terrorism is very complex. There are some countries that have fought counter terrorism for close to 50years. But, we’re not going to leave it to linger that long. We will have to finish these criminals very soon.”
These were the exact words of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai while addressing troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Army Special Super Camp at Ngamdu, a border town between Borno and Yobe during 2020 Easter celebration.
To achieve this, Buratai vowed to remain committed to the fight against terrorism “until final defeat” even as he admitted that the fight of counter-terrorism all over the world is complex.
The concurrence of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE with General Buratai on the complex nature of fight against terrorism, was the spirit behind the association’s dinner summit which held at Oriental Hotel on December 11, 2020.
At the security dinner summit, speakers unanimously sued for co operation with security personnel and made serious appeal to the government for adequate funding of military operation.
Interesting, that appeal and submission hve been re echoed by another Nigerian writer Yabo Chris Ephraim who cast a retrospective look at 2020 military commitment to the fight against Boko Haran and by extension the commitment of General Buratai at ensuring that Nigeria does not disintegrate.
Without doubt, the year 2020 will forever be a historical reference point for every country around the globe. Every country had a share of the challenges that 2020 came with or at worst felt it impact. In Nigeria, it was not just the global pandemic and its ravaging impact, it was a year the Nigerian Army had a date with history. It was tested in many fronts, but it core mandate of defending our sovereignty, unity and democracy was tested in no small measure. Like Abraham Lincoln said; “only the test of fire makes fine steel”. The Nigerian Army has earned itself a place in history for standing up to the enemies of our nation both internally and externally
In the year 2020, precisely around October, there was an uprising that culminated in the killings of scores of our security personnels by our own citizens, massive and wanton destruction/looting of public and private properties. This uprising was disguised as a peaceful protest, but it was not aimed at pursuing any genuine reforms or good governance. The stated objective was to end police brutality and bring reforms, but the organizers only used that as a smokescreen to lure unsuspecting Nigerians to join the uprising and give it more publicity. The grand design was to topple the government in power by creating and sponsoring chaos and anarchy in the fashion that was used in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia and Sudan.
The strategy is to sow strife and disaffection among citizenry, which will engender a fertile ground for the evil machination of Western power in collaboration with some of our brothers in Nigeria. Once this is achieved through a combination of propaganda and incitement, then the real bloodthirsty masquerades will surface in the name of democratic institutions and organizations such as Amnesty International, ICC and their propaganda apparatus CNN.
Nigerian Army through intelligence, discovered this devilish plan by unscrupulous elements and planned a counter strategy to quell the uprising peacefully and without contravening the constitution of our country which guarantees the right of the citizens to protest. On 14th October 2020, it issued a statement to the effect that it will not allow subversive elements destabilize our country. It equally reaffirmed its commitment to protect our democracy at all cost.
Those who masterminded atrocities that ousted the legitimate government of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya chose a different strategy of accusing the leaders of harboring and sponsoring terrorism which has not been proven till this day. The case of Egypt was plain animosity by the Western power against the Moslem Brotherhood and the government of Mohammed Morsi which started as a protest at Tahrir Square that eventually led to his ouster and death. The other cases were through economic sabotage and perpetually organized insecurity which brought these countries to their knees
Nigeria as the biggest player in Africa with so much potentials became the target of this unscrupulous elements from within and without. Through economic sabotage, relentless recruitments of terrorists, training, arming and funding terrorism, they have clogged the wheels of progress in Nigeria. With the prediction of the disintegration of Nigeria in the year 2020, it was hoped that this government wouldn’t last beyond their projected date for its disintegration. With the support of some international organizations, they project an image of democratic ideals and protection of human rights on the one hand, while fuelling terrorism and insecurity on the other. These Western powers have largely refused to cooperate with the Nigerian government in the fight against insecurity by outrightly delaying or refusing to sale arms to Nigeria, but have continue to supply more than enough arms to the enemies of Nigeria. Many may not quite understand the full scale of the grand design by this satanic forces. With this government surviving more than five years after the said prediction, they have in recent times intensified their effort to keep a date with their prediction of Nigeria’s disintegration, with the collaboration of some political jobbers willing to trade our peace and stability for their selfish ambition.
Despite the setbacks and towering challenges, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have sacrificed their lives, blood and sweat to manage these internally and externally engineered insecurity, to keep Nigeria standing after their due date. The Nigerian Army has maintained utmost discipline, valour and patriotism even in the face of provocative propaganda, and has continue to ensure that Nigeria’s case did not spiral out of control as is the case with countries mentioned earlier.
We, as a people, must resist the plan to destabilize our country by refuting and disregarding all the negative propaganda against our government and the security agencies. We must be resolute and united in supporting our security agencies particularly the Nigerian Army that is at the forefront of this war and keeping our democracy. We must keep the faith knowing that darkness cannot overcome light and evil cannot triumph over good. I salute the courage and determination of the leadership and all personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices and doggedness.
Femi Oyewale, President, National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE and Thomas Uzah, Head of Department, Mass Communication, Kwararafa University Wukari, take an overview of Nigerian 2020 security outlook vis-a vis the role of Lieutenant General Buratai, Chief of Army Staff in relationship with the well deserved African Steward Man Of The Year honour
A major plank of the collective resolution by stakeholders and industry players at the December 11 National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, Security Discourse Dinner at Oriental Hotel, Lagos was the urgent need for more citizens’ supports for military operatives.
Tagged 2021 Nigerian Security Issues, Funding and Prospects,” discussants were of the view that apart from increase funding for military operatives, citizens’ understanding of the patriotic efforts of the military would create a balanced movement towards a safer Nigeria.
In his submission at the NAOSRE Dinner, Major Osoba Olaniyi, who represented Brigadier General Sagir Musa, Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed that “Nigerian Army is conducting internal security operations in 34 states.”
Major Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, stated: “We accept criticism because we are a professional institution. However, what we don’t want is casting aspersion on us, because it has the tendency to weaken the resolve of those still fighting and dishonour the memories of our fallen heroes; it also has the tendency to undermine national unity.”
Olaniyi, responding to concerns raised about members of Police and Army impunity when dealing with civilians affirmed: “Irrespective of whatever uniform we wear, we still share the same humanity with members of society. And we shall try to remain humane with you.”
Tony Akposheri, veteran Nollywood actor, who represented Prince Honourable Ned Nwoko, Grand Patron, NAOSRE, pointed out that the public has roles to play in the security of our society.
“We cannot leave everything to government,” he noted and further submitted: “Nigerian security discourse is timely at this time of our nation, not the issue of sacking service chiefs; if they are sacked and the right things are not in place the situation will not improve.”
Dr Akposheri noted further that: “Our security personnel are not adequately well taken care of and the number of security operatives in this country is not adequate,” he said, pointing out other deficits including working with obsolete tools and technology.
A reflection of these submissions at the NASORE Dinner calls for increase encouragement for military personnel as demonstrated by Africa Steward honour on Lieutenant Tukur Buratai, given their affront against insurgent in 2020 and previous years.
Indeed, the Year 2020 grudgingly dragged to an end. It was a difficult and tough year for all Africans. From economic meltdown to wars, conflicts and the blight of the global Covid-19 pandemic. In the continent, Nigeria also had her fair share of these troubles. These predicaments were varied and complex.
As already known, the position of Nigeria in the continent is very strategic and sensitive. It is a country with a large landmass and huge population. And it is not disputable that the African continent is troubled and threatened anytime a misfortune adversely affects Nigeria.
What troubled Nigeria deeply and almost brought the country to her knees last year was the nagging spate of resurgent insecurities. Nigeria was confronted with the menace of resurgent Boko Haram insurgency and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. The armed gangs regrouped and came back like a bad penny in what appeared in every countenance like a revenge mission over their defeat by soldiers.
And also, emerging from a general election year, Nigeria grappled with the challenge of the infiltration and proliferation of weapons; intrusion of hired armed mercenaries, ethnic militias, armed bandits, the scourge of kidnappers, oil pipeline vandals, buccaneers, ethno-religious eruptions, vicious secession agitations, communal skirmishes and the bloody #EndSARS protests.
Certainly, the peace, security and stability of the country was extremely tested by these organized armed criminal gangs. They registered presence in most parts of the nation and in overwhelming numbers, perpetually overpowering civil security. And in all instances of internal security breaches, the magnitude consistently attracted the deployment of soldiers on special assignments on Internal Security (IS).
These forces of darkness pushed Nigeria to the cusp of total destabilization and disintegration. There were glaring signs of the absolute compromise of national security, like the #EndSARS protests, had Government failed to take proactive steps to extinguish the smokes of these insecurities and disable the brigands. But at the end of the year, Nigerians gracefully crossed into 2021 with less of such troubles or precisely, their absolute obliteration based on the interventions of the Army.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai dispensed himself in these troubled times as Nigeria’s loyal and trustworthy Salvationist. He deserves the most endearing and profound eulogies for imposing security sanity in Nigeria today.
The Army Chief led soldiers to accomplish these difficult security tasks professionally, and distinctively. Gen. Buratai doggedly ensured the berth of peace and security in Nigerian and by implication, the African continent. He rescued Nigeria from the hands of armed captors, sanitized the country and opened fresh vistas of security regeneration or rebirth.
As Punchman of the counter-insurgency operations in the country, Gen. Buratai discharged his stewardship to fatherland with dexterity, distinction and splendor. He salvaged Nigeria and restored lost hopes. His works erased the feeling of hopelessness harboured by most Nigerians over insecurity. And surely, with him still on the saddle, Nigerians have settled with the reality that it is possible to live in the previously tormented country, free of security threats or molestations from armed gangs.
The last quarter of 2020 was particularly challenging for the country. Political desperadoes ignited a carnival of fires in the guise of #EndSARS protests. Almost the entire Southern part of the country was engulfed by the heat of the violent #EndSARS protests. The quantum of destructions and bloodbath orchestrated by the sponsors and promoters of #EndSARS was appalling.
Nigeria was on the verge of complete anarchy, and the total breakdown of law and order. But Gen. Buratai staged out and effectively quenched the destructive fires triggered by the pig -heads of the #EndSARS campaigners. The Army marketed itself as Nigeria’s redeemers.
In the wake of resurgent insecurities in April 2020, Boko Haram insurgents’ and ISWAP terrorists bounced back with venom. Gen. Buratai relocated to the Northeast region. He spent two months in the trenches, directing and personally leading troops of the “Operation Lafiya Dole” in the battle against terrorists in the frontlines. And the positive results within a week were incredible. He was able to neutralize over 2,000 terrorists, destroyed their re-established camps and confiscated numerous weapons from insurgents.
Armed bandits and allied criminals terrorizing the Northwest region groaned and numerously met their waterloo, when Gen. Buratai launched “Operation Sahel Sanity.” Within weeks, troops dislodged them from their hideouts in the various forests; neutralized hundreds of the bandits in fierce battle encounters with troops. The Army impounded the weapons abandoned by fleeing bandits. Scores of the criminals, logistics suppliers and connivers were also arrested in the course of these operations. Gen. Buratai saved Nigeria from this nightmare.
The kidnap of the Kankara schoolboys and later, the Mahuta school children by bandits, sparked national uproar and outrage. Tongues sharpened even in the international community to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari, if the abductees do not regain their freedom. But Gen. Buratai saved the day. He immediately marshalled out troops which moved fiercely after the abductors.
And in a skillfully executed unarmed operation, soldiers rescued all the kidnapped school children within six days. Also, none of them was either injured or wounded in the course of the operations. They were reunited with their families in a presidential ceremony. State Governors whose states were tormented by armed bandits and cattle rustlers have attested to the restoration of peace and security by soldiers.
Similarly, the ethnic warlords and militias tormenting communities of the North central region were also repressed by Gen. Buratai. Hordes of the gang leaders and the foot soldiers of these criminal sects were apprehended; while many of them kissed death in battle encounters with troops.
Southern Kaduna has known peace from ethno-religious conflagrations now because Gen. Buratai refused to shirk. He doused the restiveness, imposed peace and security in the warring areas. At this instance too, Gen. Buratai discharged his stewardship to Nigeria with enviable patriotism and dedication.
Furthermore, violent campaigners for secession also attempted several times to disrupt the public peace by breaching security. They were essentially an assembled band of criminals, who operated as armed robbers, kidnappers, and indulged into other repulsive acts of criminalities. The COAS again sauntered unto the stage and never allowed the armed criminals perpetrate any form of evil against Nigeria. He rescued an entrapped people of the Southeast.
Therefore, Gen. Buratai deserves the medal of African Steward Man of the Year 2020. He has proved faithful military service to his country. He has always intervened in the darkest hours in the history of Nigeria with the candle of illumination.
Nigerians who never believed that it is possible to exist in Nigeria and insulated from lethal insecurities are loudly testifying to Gen. Buratai’s exceptional prowess and unique military competence in tackling Internal Insecurity (IS) threats. Whether these security threats manifested the character of resurgence or freshly created, the Army boss descended on the criminals. The ombudsman of the counter-insurgency operations is incontestably the winner of the African Steward Man of the Year 2020. Congratulations, sir and may you soar higher in bringing peace and security to Nigeria and Africa
In the rekindled spirit of professionalism and enhanced productivity, the Nigerian Army has just released the postings and appointments of some affected senior officers.
The posting which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai is a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater performance and effectiveness.
The posting saw the redeployment of Major General FO Agugo from Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps Apapa Lagos to Defence Headquareters Department of Communications as Chief of Defence Communications, Major General M Mohammed from Nigerian Army Resource Center Abuja to Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited and appointed Managing Director, Maj Gen AR Owolabi from Defence Headquarters Abuja (Department of Communications) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander, Major General A Bande is to remain as General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto, Major General E Akerejola from Army Headquarters Department of Logistics to Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin as Commandant, Major General UM Mohammed to remain in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu and Vice Chairman Nigerian Army Property Limited, Abuja, Major General CV Eze from Office of the Chief of Army Staff ( Nigerian Army Special Projects) to Army Headquarters, Department of Army Logistics and appointed Director Engineering Services, Major General OF Azinta from Defence Space Agency, Abuja to Defence Headquarters as Director Psychological Warfare, Major General AM Dauda from National Defence College, Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans and appointed Director Policy, Major General AL Dusu from Army Headquarters, Department of Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia appointed Commandant and Major General H Ahmed from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to remain as Provost Marshal (Army).
Others include, – Major General TA Gagariga from Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia to Defence Space Agency, Abuja appointed as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency, Major General JO Iwara from Army Headquarters Department of Standard and Evaluation to Department of Army Logistics appointed Director of Logistics Planning, Major General PI Eze to remain at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri and appointed Theatre Logistics Component Commander, Major General OO Oluyede to remain in Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Damaturu as Commander, Major General BR Sinjen to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations, Abuja as Director Operations, Major General R Abubakar to remain in Defence Headquarters as Defence Liaison Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Major General OO Soyele from Defence Hedquarters, Abuja to Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja as Senior Research Fellow, Major General AK Ibrahim to remain in Headquarters 7 Division/ Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri as General Officer Commanding/Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General SI Igbinomwanhia to remain in Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno as Commander and Major General IM Jallo from Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba to Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt appointed General Officer Commanding.
Similarly, Brigadier General AIM Lapai from 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Kontogora appointed Director Field Defence, Brigadier General Kawugana from Warrant Officers’ Academy, Jaji to Hedquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja Lagos appointed Commander, Brigadier General MO Jimoh from Defence Headquarters to Defence Space Agency, Abuja and appointed Deputy Director, Launch Vehicle Systems, Brigadier General MA Bolarinwa from Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport Benin to Defence Headquarters(Annex), Lagos and appointed Deputy Director Supply, Brigadier General SM Uba to remain in 401 Special Forces’ Brigade as Commander, Brigadier General WM Dangana from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to 3 Division Garrison, Jos appointed Commander, Brigadier General AGL Haruna to remain in 7 Division Garrison, Maiduguri as Commander, Brigadier General AM Garba from Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri to Headquarters 23 Brigade, Yola appointed Commander, Brigade General AG Laka from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to Nigerian Army Operations Centre, Abuja and appointed Coordinator, Brigadier General IA Ajose from Training and Doctrine Command, Minna to 4 Special Forces Command, Doma as Chief of Staff, Brigadier General DK Zirkushu from Headquarters 1 Brigade, Gusau to Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok and appointed Commander.
Accordingly, Brigadier General M Ibrahim from Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Gombe to 14 Brigade Ohafia appointed Commander, Brigadier General A Idris from Army Headquarters Department of Administration Army to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba appointed Commander, Brigadier General RT Utsaha from 34 Brigade Garrison, Owerri to 32 Brigade, Akure and appointed Commander, Brigadier General MA Sadiq from Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE, Yenagoa to Headquarters 4 Brigade, Benin and appointed Commander, Brigadier General IH Daniel from 304 Artillery Regiment Maiduguri to 34 Brigade Garrison Oweri as Commander, Brigadier General EO Ojabo from Defence Headquarters, Abuja to 81 Division Garrison, Lagos and appointed Commander, Brigadier General SS Tilawan to remain in Headquarters 5 Brigade as Commander.
Others are – Colonel FD Babatunde from Headquarters 81 Division, Lagos to Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos appointed Sector Commander, Colonel OJ Majebi from Operation SAFE HAVEN, Jos to 31 Brigade Garrison, Minna appointed Commander, Col JC Mbanefo from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery to 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) and appointed Commander, Colonel MA Maaji from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria to 4 Operation DELTA SAFE and appointed Commander amongst others.
All the postings and appointments take effect from the 18 of January 2021.
While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service.
As the year comes to an end, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff has met the executive Governor of Yobe Mai Mala Buni, on Wednesday, December 23, on a strategic engagement in securing Yobe State during and after yuletide.
Briefing the governor, General Buratai explained some of the military strategic efforts deployed at curtailing the activities of criminals and insurgents in Yobe State and other parts of north eastern Nigeria.
National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, gathered that during the meeting which held at the Damaturu Government House, General Buratai specifically assured the governor of drastic security measures embarked upon by the Nigerian Army in the North East
The Chief of Army Staff further assured the government and people of Yobe State that the Nigerian Army is taking drastic steps to ensure that Damaturu-Maiduguri roads are secured to safeguard lives and properties of the people.
He stated that the army in partnership with other relevant stakeholders will have strategic engagements in the next few weeks to further improve security in the zone particularly in identified flash points.
Responding Governor Buni commended the Nigerian army and other agencies for their concerted efforts and commitment in the fight against insurgency and banditry across the nation. He assured the continuous support of the state government in the fight against all forms of insecurity across the state.
He attributed the relative peace been enjoyed in the state and the region to the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai has given a thumbs up to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army fighting in various theatres of Operation and other security threats for admirably rising up to the challenges and successfully bringing the situations under control.
Buratai expressed pride that the prevailing cases on insecurity even though they are evolving from several fronts have continued to succumb to the professionalism and capability of the Nigerian Army which is benefitting from the various capacity advancement and training programmes initiated under his leadership.
His words, “Despite the prevailing cases of insecurity in several parts of the country, I am proud to say this, the Nigerian Army has continued to rise admirably in tackling all security challenges plaguing the nation, as can be seen in the decimation of terrorists in the North East and bandits and kidnapping in the North West and North Central zones of the country.
Gen Buratai who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun spoke on Tuesday at the Graduation Lecture for Course 4, 2020 of the Army War College, Nigeria and Commissioning of the War College Office Complex Extension in Abuja.
The COAS said the Army War College has continued to play a vital role since it’s inception pointing out that after 3 years, “Our Vision has paid a high level of dividend”.
In this regard, Buratai said, “Graduates of the Army War College have added value to Nigeria Army War fighting capabilities” adding, “This explains why I have focussed a lot of attention in upgrading the facilities and environment of the college to required standard.
Noting that the new office extension has 415 seating capacity at its ultra-modern lecture hall, the COAS said, “It is with a deep sense of fulfilment that I commission the office extension after commissioning new sporting facilities for the AWCN few weeks ago.
Earlier, Guest Lecturer at the occasion and UNDP Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr . Mohammed Yahya disclosed that the United Nations Development Programme was interested in three key programmes in any country it works with.
These are Governance, Environment and Inclusive growth.
He warned African countries to beware of the rise and increase in violent Extremism regretting that in the year 2020 alone, 3,181 Africans have been killed as a result of violent Extremism.
While noting that other than the use of force alone, African countries to consider injecting other strategies in addition, to tackle violent Extremism, the UNDP Country Representative said, “Nigeria has to lead the way. Nigeria needs to be ahead of the curve of fighting extremism.
Present at the occasion were the Ambassador, Indian High Commission to Nigeria and the UK Attache to Nigeria, DG Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj Gen Garba Wahab (rtd(), former Commandant, AWCN, Maj Gen Charles Ofoche, Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen AA Adabayo, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj Gen Hamman, and Acting Provost Marshal Army, Brigadier General Ahmed among several other dignitaries.
