In order to enhance troops' effectiveness in the conduct of ongoing operations across the country, the Nigerian Army (NA) has sustained the acquisition of combat enablers to strenghten the capacity and capabilities of the troops in confronting all enemies of the state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, stated this on Wednesday, 27 August 2024 during Opening Ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024 held at the Council of Chiefs Hall Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that essential combat enablers such as Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, rifles and ammunition necessary to strengthen troops' operations across the country have been acquired and are already impacting positively on troops operations against security challenges.
"These acquisitions," he added, "will undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness of troops across various theatres and ultimately firm up the nation's path to an improved security environment in furtherance of economic prosperity for the nation".
General Lagbaja noted that this is born out of the desire of President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to build a well-equipped, truly professional Army for the nation.
According to General Taoreed Lagbaja, the President has demonstrated this drive through the purchase of combat enablers such as the 2 BELL UH -1 Huey Helicopters and other enablers to conduct a range of missions, including logistics and medical evacuation among other functions for the NA.
He disclosed that Nigerian Army pilots are currently undergoing training on these platforms since the Army took delivery of the platforms on 20 June 2024, reassuring that the platforms will soon be fully inducted into the theatres of Operation, and would be limited to logistic missions.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umoh Eno, while formally declaring the conference open, commended the progressive restructuring of the Nigerian Army, urging the NA to maintain the trajectory.
He urged the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the principles of fundamental human rights and adherence to rules of engagement in its operations.
Governor Eno further espoused the critical role of actionable intelligence and synergy among security agencies in the conduct and success of operations.
