As Nigerians and the Military celebrate the Nigerian Army Day, the country’s Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has said that the army will
remain unwavering in fighting the menace of insurgency to a complete halt in order to restore peace and normalcy to the northeast and other parts of Nigeria.
The Army Chief made this known while interacting with journalist in Abuja to mark the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day themed “Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to meet Contemporary Security Challenges.”
Lt. General Buratai emphasized the resoluteness with which the Nigerian Army is fighting to bring the menace to a complete halt and restore peace and normalcy to the North East as well as other parts of the country.
According to him, “In line with this noble objective, the relocation of the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) to the epicentre of the operations theatre for effective prosecution of the ongoing fight against insurgency as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari has been fully complied with”.
“This has provided the Military Command with more theatre visibility, effective command and control, resulting in continual decimation of the remaining insurgents. The Nigerian Army working in concert with other Services and agencies has firmly reasserted its control over our territory where the insurgents had in the past exercised freedom of action”.
“It is also worthy of note that in line with my vision which is “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” we have made remarkable achievements within the last one year including human rights awareness. Let me reiterate that the Nigerian Army under my leadership will continue to respect all aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as other international principles and guidelines on the subject”, he said.
He added that this year’s NADCEL is in two phases, “The First Phase commenced earlier from 11th to 20th April, 2016 with activities reinforcing the need to shore up fighting capabilities and responsiveness of our troops by injecting into its programme, a Command Post Exercise (CPX).
“During the exercise Commanders, Headquarters elements and Staff of a Brigade were simulated in a deployment, administration and communications play within and between the exercised elements in Alkaleri Forest, Bauchi State.
“This will dovetail into the Second Phase from 11 – 14 July, 2016 in which troops of 1 Brigade would be engaged in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) involving realistic and varying war situations in Bakura Forest, Gusau Zamfara State.” He added.
Buratai noted that aside providing ample opportunities for equipment and weapons testing, the exercises would also serve to sharpen the tactical skills of individual officers and soldiers, as well as improve the operational readiness of the formation.
He said that it would also serve as deterrent to cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminals hibernating in those areas.
“Other activities lined up to mark the celebration include, Juma’at Prayers in all Nigerian Army formations and units on Friday 1 July, 2016 and will be followed on Saturday 2 July, 2016 by a major Environmental Sanitation Exercise which will be carried out along Abuja–Keffi Road, and in other respective Nigerian Army formations and units in the country.
“Interdenominational Church Service will also be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units across the nation on Sunday 3 July, 2016 while on Monday 11 July, 2016, I will pay Courtesy Calls on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State and the Emir of Gusau.” The Army Chief said.
According to him, this year’s NADCEL, will also enable the Nigerian Army reach out to the public through its Medical Outreach Program on Tuesday 12 July, 2016, during which inhabitants of Gusau and other communities in its environs will benefit from free medical diagnosis and treatment.
He drew the attention of the public to the fact that the medical outreach will also take place in all formations of the Nigerian Army concurrently.
“There will be a Camp Fire to symbolize the end of the FTX. Subsequently, there will be an equipment display at the Old Airport, Gusau during which deserving officers and soldiers will be honored with COAS Commendation Award.” He added.
Buratai said that the army will remain a “partner in progress” with the press, and urged the press to remain committed in the fight against terrorism, “I must urge you therefore to put national interest above any other consideration and to tread the path of honour by not joining any band wagon to report unverified negativities to the detriment of our national peace and security.”