Army@158: Buhari Pledges To Enhance Troop’s Operational Efficiency

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to provide the necessary equipment, logistics and welfare requirements of the Nigerian Army to enhance its operational efficiency.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, made the pledge at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021 yesterday in Abuja.
The theme of the week-long event is “A Professional and Ready Nigerian Army: A Prerequisite for Successful Operations in a Joint Environment”.
He reiterated the government‘s resolve to ensure the security and safety of law-abiding citizens, by providing all the needed support and requirement for the military and other security agencies to perform the task.
“For members of the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces, I want to assure you of my government’s commitment to your welfare and we will continue to provide you with the needed support to enhance your welfare.
“In the same vein, I am aware of the challenges confronting the Nigerian army such as inadequate equipment and insufficient funds for maintenance and training as well as other logistics constraints affecting your operational efficiency.
“As you may be aware, my government has put in place a mechanism that would address these problems in phases albeit in the face of other competing national demands,” he said.
The president said that Nigerian army as part of the larger armed forces had continued to discharge its constitutional roles with great success.
He said that it was to the credit of the army that the nation’s commitments to regional and international peace and security remain unshaken in spite of the current internal security challenges.
He commended the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North East.
According to him, this cooperation no doubt has led to the decimation of some terrorists and criminal elements in our society.
“Government services and private businesses have since resumed in areas hitherto controlled by these terrorists.
“Therefore, as we celebrate the achievements of the Nigerian Army and all security agencies, I would like to thank all well-meaning Nigerians for their support and understanding,” he said.
Buhari commended recent efforts by individuals, community members, traditional leaders and civil society organisations especially the youths for cooperating and supporting the security agencies in exposing all agents of destruction and instability in the country.
He, however, urged the army to continue to abide by its ethics and ethos and to keep to its Rules of Engagement while ensuring that human rights are respected in the conduct of military operations.