The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farooq Yahaya, emphasized the imperative nature of defeating insurgency, banditry, and criminal activities during a workshop held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering in Makurdi. Speaking through the representative of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the COAS highlighted the Nigerian Army's concerted efforts to enhance the morale and combat readiness of troops through a significant acquisition drive.
Lt. Gen. Yahaya mentioned the procurement of various equipment, including Vallon handheld detectors, MRAPs, TCVs, Husky vehicles, APCs, and UAVs. Additionally, plans were underway to acquire Husky vehicle-mounted mine detection systems and other essential equipment. He emphasized that the defeat of insurgency, banditry, and criminality remained the top priority, and the procurement of equipment and realistic training of personnel were carried out with this commitment in mind. The Nigerian Army also expressed dedication to research and development for the indigenous production of defense requirements, highlighting the commendable local production of the Ode rechargeable blasting device and remote control jammers while emphasizing the need for further progress.
The COAS acknowledged the workshop's significance, titled "Capacity Development in CIED for Robust Support to NA Operations." He highlighted the workshop's alignment with his goal of defeating insurgency by enabling troops to operate with freedom through effective Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) operations. Lt. Gen. Yahaya stressed that successful CIED operations had played a crucial role in the victories achieved against Boko Haram, other terrorist groups, and criminal elements across the nation.
Major General Philip Eromosele, Commander Corps of Engineers, expressed concern about the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by insurgents as force multipliers, adversely affecting the outcomes of Nigerian Army operations and troop morale. To overcome this threat and secure victory in the ongoing Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) operations, Gen. Eromosele explained that the workshop would include presentations, discussions, and demonstrations utilizing recently acquired advanced equipment such as CIED MRAPs and Husky vehicles.
Source: PUNCH
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