Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, instructed battle commanders to conduct anti-ambush drills and build a mastery of night operations yesterday in a renewed effort to fight terrorist ambush techniques used in the North-east.
The insurgents have used ambush tactics against forces in the theater of combat on a regular basis, with disastrous results.
A recent ambush by militants in Bulunguma in Uba Askira Local Government Area of Borno State resulted in the death of a senior army officer and other soldiers.
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In order to assure accountability, he also asked commanders to conduct thorough inspections of weaponry and ammunition as well as holding facilities.
The army commander, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja, said the Nigerian Army will focus on improved performance in 2022, while also warning troublemakers that the military would be decisive in dealing with such inclinations.
“In order to beat the adversary, commanders must be proactive and aggressive in the conduct of our operations.” Let me emphasize right now that we must ensure that all of our deployments in the theaters of operations are strong enough to repel any attack.
“Commanders must also consider the potential for a wide spectrum of actions against bandits and terrorists.” Commanders must also ensure that their troops are well-versed in the art of night operations and anti-ambush drills by engaging in effective night operations and anti-ambush exercise training,” he added.
“In order to neutralize and defeat the adversary, we must take the fight to them.” Commanders are also being instructed to establish contingency plans to guarantee that our forces maintain the initiative in all of our theaters of operations. In that respect, commanders must prepare for an escalation in the scope and scale of violent state actors’ actions in the coming year,” he warned.
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Yahaya also told commanders to make sure that weaponry and ammunition, as well as holding facilities, were thoroughly inspected.
“I’d want to remind formation and unit commanders that weaponry and ammunition, as well as the numerous holding facilities, must be thoroughly inspected.” In addition, all participants have been informed of the new approach for doing the range classification exercise in order to ensure compliance. As a result, commanders must guarantee that units under their command follow this new protocol, which aims to ensure accountability and security of restricted objects in the Nigerian Army,” he stated.
He stated that the army’s priority in the following year would be on building capacities to improve overall performance.
“In keeping with the conference’s theme of ‘Building Nigerian Army Capacity in Combating Emerging Security Threats in a Joint Operations Environment,’ I am confident that this conference has provided the much-needed direction for the Nigerian Army to accomplish assigned missions in a joint environment in the defense of our dear country.”
“Throughout the meeting, we have aggressively discussed important concerns concerning our constitutional obligations and the maintenance of professionalism.” We’ve also taken into account the many security concerns that our country faces. As a result, our focus for the coming year will be on building capacities to improve overall performance,” he stated.
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“Individual and unit training will be prioritized in order to improve teamwork and professionalism. In this regard, I would like to urge commandants of Nigerian Army and Corps schools to ensure that realistic training is conducted in their various institutions to ensure that our officers and soldiers are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to face all criminal elements in various theaters of operations,” he said.
Even as he pledged the army’s commitment to the president and the constitution, the Chief of Army Staff assured that the country’s security will improve.
He cautioned insurgents that the army was determined to bringing the country back to peace.
“I also want to reassure Nigerians that there will be clear indicators of better security across the country in the next year.” Let me use this occasion to urge those who are fueling the problems in various parts of the nation to stop from their unpatriotic deeds, as we remain committed and unapologetic in our efforts to bring peace to every area of the country as soon as possible.
“Within the framework of the rule of law, the Nigerian Army will continue to ensure that all law-abiding residents of this country go about their legitimate business and live their lives without fear or intimidation,” he added.
Participants were praised by Yahaya for their thought-provoking and candid contributions to the conference, which resulted in far-reaching choices.
“I implore you all not to rest on your laurels as we press on with the difficult mission of securing our beloved country.” I beg you all, once again, to remain focused and devoted in the conduct of your operations.
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“Let me also emphasize the need of ensuring the observance of human rights in our efforts, even as we remain ruthless in dealing with offenders of violent crimes that jeopardize the country’s national security,” he said.
