Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State recently commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his robust security formations and units deployed in the state for effective management of all forms of security.
Speaking while declaring this year’s Combat Arms Training Week open in Bauchi, Governor Bala explained that since inception of his administration, he has noted with appreciation, the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling the prevalent security threats across the state.
The governor said the Nigerian Army alongside other security agencies have made tremendous efforts in keeping Bauchi State safe and secure as their presence had given the state unprecedented security and made it one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He however called for a holistic review of the operational strategies and preparedness of the Army in view of the myriad of security challenges bedeviling the country and suggested that the amorphous nature of the current security challenges in the nation requires the use of kinetic and non-kinetic means, as well as multi-faceted strategies to effectively tackle them.
“It is my honour and privilege to be invited to this year’s Combat Arms Training Week as a Special Guest. I wish to welcome the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya to Bauchi State, the ‘Pearl of Tourism’ for this very important event.
“I understand that the event is aimed at assessing the combat readiness and efficiency of the infantry and Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army. This would help in developing strategies to correct any observed operational difficulties and ultimately put the Nigerian Army in a better position to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support in maintaining internal peace and security as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“In line with global best practice, it is usual for forces to train regularly in order to maintain combat readiness. It is not therefore out of place for the combat arms to constantly engage officers and men in training. I am pleased to note that the Nigerian Army is currently being re-positioned to professionally contain all forms of threats to Nigeria from both within and outside its borders.
“It is to the credit of the Armed Forces that Boko Haram menace has been substantially brought under control. I would like to commend Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, for providing the visionary leadership to transform the Nigerian Army in particular and the military as a whole.
“Let me also commend the Chief of Army Staff for maintaining high standards of professionalism in the Nigerian Army through his unique leadership style and quest to build capacity through consistent training and welfare programmes. I will also appreciate the existing cordial relationship between officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the civilian population in Bauchi State.”
The governor therefore assured the Chief of Army Staff of the continued support and corporation of the Bauchi State Government to the Nigerian Army to enable it to effectively perform its constitutional responsibilities.
In a keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya said the Combat Arms Training Week is part of efforts to enhance the operational effectiveness of the participants for efficiency in a joint arms environment.
General Faruk Yahaya who appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for improved funding to the Nigerian Army, reiterated the readiness of the army towards adopting strategies to sustain its gains in defending the country against all forms of insecurity.
