Nigerian Army Empowers Combat Enablers 

… As Chief Of Army Staff Restates Stand Towards Politics, Human Rights Issues

By Bamidele Elizabeth 

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has empowered Combat Enablers in the Country, restating the Army’s stand to distance themselves from politics and avoid issues bordering on Human Rights. 

According to the press release signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, he stated that the Chief of Army Staff has  assured of the readiness of the Nigerian Army (NA) to continue to engage combat enablers, thereby  enhancing the effectiveness of the troops in the conduct of the ongoing operations across the Country.

He made the assertion on Wednesday, the 27th of August 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 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital. 

Speaking further, the COAS stated that essential combat enablers such as Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, rifles and ammunition necessary to strengthen troops’ operations across the country have been acquired and are already impacting positively on troops operations against security challenges. 

The COAS urged Nigerians to know that the current acquisitions would undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness of troops across various theatres in the Country and ultimately firm up the nation’s path to an improved security environment in furtherance of economic prosperity for the nation”.

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General Lagbaja noted the desire of President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to build a well-equipped, truly professional Army for the nation. This he said, 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 NA. 

He disclosed that Nigerian Army pilots are currently undergoing training on these platforms since the Army took delivery of the platforms on 20th of June 2024. The COAS reassured that the platforms will soon be fully inducted into the theatres of operation, but however 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 Nigerian Army to maintain the trajectory. 

He also 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.

Governor Eno further espoused the critical role of actionable intelligence and synergy among security agencies in the conduct and success of operations. 

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He lauded the successes so far achieved by troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the 6 geopolitical zones, pointing out that the Nigerian Army is a key element of national power and diplomacy. 

Governor Eno commended the COAS for his sterling and exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Army. He urged the Army to evolve strategies that would consolidate on its achievements thus far.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of Nigerian Army Group Life Assurance cheques to beneficiaries. The presentation was in fulfillment of one of the pillars of the COAS’ Command Philosophy, which is to promote sound administration through the implementation of adequate welfare for personnel and their families. 

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