By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has expressed confidence in the ability of troops to combat banditry and other security challenges in the country.
The Army Chief based his optimism on the resilience and doggedness displayed by troops of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) and Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, Niger State.
He spoke while addressing troops of the two formations during his maiden operational visit to Nagwamatse Barracks, Kontagora, Niger State on Sunday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
General Yahaya charged the troops to remain “resolute and committed in discharging their operational responsibilities,”
He said that his visit was informed by the need to have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in the location.
He expressed satisfaction with “the high spirit displayed by the troops, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo by consolidating on the successes recorded thus far.”
He assured them that he places high premium on the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families and will therefore, “not backpedal in promptly addressing their needs and challenges.”
The Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga and the Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, in their separate briefs to the COAS, noted that socio-economic activities have been restored in Kotangora, with the relentless effort of the combined troops.
Before presenting a brand new Toyota Hilux truck to the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, in demonstration of his pledge to boost troops’ morale and motivate Senior Non-commissioned officers, to restore regimentation in the Nigerian the Army Chief also inspected newly acquired combat platforms.