By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards a terror-free North East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Maiduguri.
During the visit, he conducted evaluation of operational strategies and troops’ proficiency in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East theatre.
A statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations,
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this on Monday. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The COAS, was briefed on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Major General Christopher Musa on the ongoing simultaneous Operations (Op DESERT SANITY and Op LAKE SANITY).
The Army Chief noted that it was crucial to “regularly review troops’ counter terrorism efforts in order to sustain the operational gains so far made and reinvigorate the operations.”
During the visit, General Yahaya commissioned newly constructed block of 36 flats, “to mitigate the challenge of acute accommodation shortage experienced by soldiers in Maimalari Barracks.”
He also commissioned newly built 7 Division Garrison Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence.
The COAS later embarked on an inspection of Women and Child Care Centre under construction at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, and the Theatre Command Training School.
The statement added “An ultra modern Operations briefing and Conference Hall was equally inaugurated by the COAS.”
While commissioning the projects, the Army Chief emphasized, that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will continue to place high premium on the welfare of troops and the provision of necessary logistics to effectively deal with security challenges.
The COAS and his team later witnessed a Fire Power Demonstration at the 7 Division Shooting Range, to test fire some newly acquired platforms, and those refurbished within the theatre.
Speaking during the briefing, the Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to the COAS for his commitment to “delivering on his pledge to ensure troops are provided with requisite combat equipment and logistics to effectively conduct their operations.”
The COAS’ visit to the North East theatre, according to him, is a morale booster to the troops.
He assured that they will continue to give their best as they strive to bring an end to insurgency in the North East.
The COAS was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Logistics, Major General Omotomilola Akintade; the Chief of Operations, Major General Olufemi Akinjobi; Chief of Accounts and Budget, Major General Adekunle Adesope, the Provost Marshal (Army), Major General Robert Aiyenigba and the Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General Ibrahim Salisu.