Buhari Assures FG’s Support For Army Operational Efficiency

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, July 14th, 2016

By Mustapha Abdul Salaam

ZAMAFARA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari has assured men of Nigerian Army of the Federal Government (FG) resolve and continued support to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces to effectively discharge their constitutional roles.

Buhari made the assurance late Wednesday in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on the occasion of 2016 Nigerian Army day celebration.

Mr. President reiterated that FG was committed to ensuring that the officers are provided with the required resources and “impetus to operate professionally and efficiently”.

Buhari sympathized with the people of Zamfara over the enormous losses they suffered as a result of the incessant activities of the insurgents and cattle rustlers whose actions have made farming, livestock management and other economic activities more difficult even in the face of the general economic challenges.

“I am quite optimistic that the operations of the last few days will surely lead to the restoration of economic activities of surrounding communities bedevilled for some time now by the menace of cattle rustling and banditry.

“I therefore commend the Chief of Army Staff for this foresight and initiative and for mobilizing adequate resources to ensure precision in the conduct of the exercise. I also applaud the collaboration with sister services and other security agencies in order to degrade and decimate the miscreants.

“I urge you to intensify and perfect current strategies, approaches, techniques and tactics towards curtailing all forms of lawlessness across the country” the President directed.

President Buhari noted that it was quite gratifying to inspect the equipment displayed which showcased the robust capability of the Nigerian Army to ward off internal and external aggression against the nation, recalling that the Command Post Exercise reminded him of the importance of staff work in the field during the civil war in the 60s and the Chadian Operations in the 80s.

He restated “I am pleased at the dexterity, prowess and level of professionalism displayed by various components including the combat airborne jump by personnel of the Nigerian Army supported by the Nigerian Air Force. I am quite confident that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been amply repositioned more than ever before to resolutely confront contemporary and emerging security challenges in the country”.

He also endorsed the involvement of private partners in the defence sector, especially in terms of provision of specialist equipment under the Public Private Partnership, urging the Armed Forces to leverage on the opportunity towards enhancing capacity.

While congratulating all the award recipients for their outstanding contributions to the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army, President Buhari urged all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to sustain the current tempo.