Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika has said that the Nigerian Army is channelling its resources into providing first-class training of its personnel in counter-terrorism and other fields to meet contemporary security challenges facing the country.
Ihejirika disclosed this during the graduation ceremony of the 8th Basic Counter-terrorism Training conducted by the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, for junior officers. Of recent, some human rights activists, including Amnesty International, have accused security agencies of human rights abuses in their effort to curtail the menace of Boko Haram.
According to the COAS, the training would enhance the capacity of the personnel to discharge their professional duties. He said the training was organised for junior officers due to their deficiency in professional conduct bordering on indiscipline, negligence in performance of duties and illegal duties.
“It is also to bridge the gap and appreciate the importance of intelligence as key driver in irregular operations,” he said, adding that a special package on intelligence had been included and conducted by counter terrorism experts from the Directorate of Military Intelligence and Department of State Security.
“The training you have received within the past five weeks of rigorous activities has moulded you sufficiently with the requisite professional competence to tackle the challenges you are likely to meet in the field,” he told the officers.
He reminded the graduates of the importance of their conduct during internal security operations and, as such, urged them to adhere strictly to their professional rules of engagement in their bid to tackle the challenges.
“The Nigerian Army thrives on discipline, without which your career will be short-lived. Discipline is the hallmark of your profession and must be your watchword if you desire to rise to the peak of your career,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Nigerian Army had established functional operational bases across the country and mobilised outposts for immediate operational engagement, and as well established dog centres to complement human efforts in identifying contrabands.
Ihejirika, represented by the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Amnon Kwaskebe, said the measures were designed to raise the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army in addressing contemporary challenges in the country.
The Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Maj.-Gen. Sylvester Audu, commended the chief of army staff for the quick release of funds for the centre, promotion of staff and offering foreign training slots for the personnel.
