Insecurity: GOC Harp on Regular Training of Officers

Posted by African Examiner Enugu, Ignatius Okpara Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

As part of measure to transform the Nigerian Army into a force that would always be battle ready in combating security challenges effectively in the country, especially kidnapping, oil theft, the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has commenced training of its officers in Enugu.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen.Azubuike Ihejirika

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after declaring open a 5-day training for Operational Planning Cadre for officers within 82 Division areas of responsibility, the General Officer Commanding the Division, Major General Adebayo Olaniyi stated that the army formation would continue to train and re-train its officers in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika.

The GOC, had reiterated the commitment of the nation’s army helmsman towards repositioning soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army with a view to meet the contemporary insecurity challenges, stressing that the army is battle ready at all times.

General Olaniyi, had applauded the Army Chief of Staff for providing both moral and financial encouragement for the training, stressing that it is good to plan well so as to end well.

His words: “Training of officers is imperative for us to be at alert at all times. If you fail to plan, you have failed abi initio. “We need to continually training our officers for challenges like insecurity. I am happy that kidnapping, oil theft are drastically reducing in the area”.

Commenting on the security challenge ahead of the 2015 general elections, the GOC said it is the responsibility of the police to control any civil unrest, saying though, the army would only wade in if it becomes obvious that the situation has overwhelmed the strength of the Nigerian police.

Participants at the event holding at the 82 Division Auditorium were drawn from different cadres including commanders in the various army formation.