The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said the Nigerian Army has acquired essential combat enablers such as Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicles, rifles and ammunition necessary to strengthen troops’ operations across the country.
He further said they are already impacting positively troop operations against security challenges.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, said Lt. Gen. Lagbaja made the assertion on Wednesday, August 27, 2024, at the 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.
According to the statement: “These acquisitions 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 the desire of President Bola Tinubu to build a well-equipped, truly professional army for the nation.
According to him, the president has demonstrated 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 Nigerian Army.
He disclosed that Nigerian Army pilots are currently undergoing training on these platforms since the army took their delivery on June 20, 2024. The Chief of Army Staff reassured that the platforms will soon be fully inducted into the theatres of operation, but, they will, however, be limited to logistic missions.
Pastor Umoh Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, while formally declaring the conference open, commended the progressive restructuring of the Nigerian Army, urging the army authorities 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.
He further espoused the critical role of actionable intelligence and synergy among security agencies in the conduct and success of operations.
He lauded the successes so far achieved by troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the six geopolitical zones, pointing out that the Nigerian Army is a key element of national power and diplomacy.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Nigerian Army Group Life Assurance cheques to beneficiaries.