Tinubu reaffirm commitment to support military end insurgency
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards providing adequate support to the Nigerian military to end insurgency in the country.
Tinubu stated this on Monday in Maiduguri during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023, with the theme: “Personnel motivation for effective operational performance in a joint environment”.
The President said that he was a
a firm believer of the Chief of Army's Staff Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped, and highly motivated force capable of achieving its constitutional responsibility within a joint environment.
He said “We must enhance your mobility and communications while adding greater precision to your operation fighting capability.
“The recent procurement of new aircraft is a testament of these results. We commend the successes of the Nigerian army in the various operations in the battle against terrorists bandits and solving crimes.
The President explained that the feedback he has been receiving from various theatre of operations had been encouraging.
He lauded the conduct of the military in the just concluded elections in some parts of the country and urged them to remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional mandate.
He described the tragic loss of civilians in the accidental bombing in Kaduna as a tragic loss to the nation.
“We weep at the sight of men and women killed in the unfortunate incident. Those of us entrusted with the nation's security, It is severely painful to see harm befalling those whose we have sworn to protect. that incidence must be thoroughly investigated which occurrence must be preventable.
“I wished I could take this all back and erase the harm done but we cannot. It has happened. What we can and will do is to give ourselves the victory over the terrorists. It is the best gift. Money, compensation and other things, we will do, but no amount of money will replace the loved ones we lost,”he said.
The President also frowned at the feud between the police and soldiers in Adamawa noting that there should be a proper way of resolving issues instead of resulting in violence.
“The task before you is compelling as it is vital. More so than any other institution of government. The faith of our beloved nation rests in the hands of our armed forces. For too many years Nigeria has faced a dangerous shadowy enemy whose sole aim is to overthrow our democracy and other peaceful ways of life.
“Despite their efforts, you hold dear to the vision of a nation stronger yet just, prosperous, yet compassionate, dynamic yet tolerant and enthusiastic. However, those who are against us, do so with a completely different objective. They seek to violently subdue Nigeria and bury our democratic and progressive aspirations. Is not possible, when you are there, you are winning.
“Whether you call them terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or armed robbers, they all ruthlessly strive for aggrandize, power, money and followers. They seek to turn our national outlook to a warm flick. Too crowded by oppression and wanting violence to allow adequate space for democracy, justice, peace and development. But I assure you. The hope is here.
“This is the battle we all face and we are facing it with you. It is a battle I have no intention of losing. As your Commander in Chief my primary duties is to provide you with the ways and means to fight this battle in accordance with the best of our military traditions and the value of the mean and just society.
“Every responsibility rests on my shoulder as your commander in Chief, if I asked you to go forward to put yourself in the arms way. I do it not because I want to, I do it because that is what is required of all of us. Making sacrifices for our nation and believing in Nigeria and I thank you for what you have been doing.
“I am deeply moved by your devotion to service and the sacrifices that you and others in uniform have made for the Defence of our nation and that the nation will hold very Dear,”he said.
In his address, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said that the program was significant as it is the first annual gathering of the Nigerian army since the commencement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and my assumption of office as the Chief of Army Staff.
Lagbaja said that the COAS annual conference serves as a pusher platform where the leadership of the Nigerian army comes together to discuss critical policies that would shape the future of our esteemed institution.
He said “It provides opportunities to review our past achievements, assess current challenges and strategies for the future all within the border context of national security under the astute leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our nation is steadfast in addressing the wide range of security challenges across the six geopolitical zones.
“Consequently, the team for this year's annual conference Personal motivation for effective operational performance in a joint environment was carefully chosen to underscores the importance of uplifting and empowering of our personnel for enhanced performance by focusing on personal morale well being and professional development.
“Our goal is to bolster the capabilities and readiness of our force while nurturing the culture of excellent and unwavering dedication. This year's annual conference aligned with Mr President directives to address all security challenges facing the country.
It also reflects my commitment to transform the Nigerian army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibility within a joint environment. These commands' philosophy underpins core principles of character, commitment, competence, courage, communication and compassion has shaped our organizational culture since I assumed command of the Nigeria army in June this year.
“Our deliberate trust to function within the stipulation of this philosophy made the year 2023 remarkable in terms of our operational endeavors as we perform our constitutional roles.
The COAS said that the Nigerian army escalated its efforts in combating terrorism and banditry through Operations Hadin Kai and forest Sanity particularly in the North East and North West region, significantly weakening criminals elements.
Additionally, troops deployed in ongoing operations such as Operation Hadarim Daji, While Stroke, While Punch, Safe Heaven and Delta Safe among others has effectively checkmated farmers Hardee’s crises, oil thefts, pipeline vandals in the North West, North Central, South South and SouthEast regions of the country in 2023.
“Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognized the importance of continuously evaluating our efforts. This conference will be important in formulating long time strategies to bolster our ability to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities in the year 2024.
According to him, special training was implemented through the year to enhance troops readiness, through mission focused training like exercise Restore Hope five, which is an advanced infantry training conducted in collaboration with our international partners that has continued to refine troops skills in weapons handling and tactics.
“Furthermore, the operational effectiveness of formations and units had improved consistently through routing activities such as exercise still waters 3, enduring exercise Mugun Bugu was also thought to combat insurgency banditry and other crimes in the North Central zone of our nation.
These exercises, typically conducted at the end of the year in the South South, South West, North Central and South East Region, aimed to transform, train troops, and address the prevalent criminal activities during the festive season.
“Similarly Operation Clean Sweep, was initiated on Oct. 10, this year at the Ikeja cantonment to clear unexploded ordinances at the site of the 2002 bomb last. The Operation was concluded on December 6, this year. It is worth noting that the Operation successfully recovered and disposed of over 2000 unexploded ordinances.
Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence, assured the President of the readiness of the service Chiefs to end insurgency and restore total peace in the country noting that they are the best people selected for the job.
