- Says Nigeria and Nigerians depend on the competence of the Nigerian Army
From John Adams, Minna
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi O. Oluyede has declared that despite the recent escalation in the activities of bandits and other Terrorists groups in parts of the country, the Nigerian Army is not deterred in its quest to protect the territorial intergrity of the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of soldiers under the exercise Fast Bolt 111at the Military Cantonment in Kontagora, Niger State on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff told the graduating soldiers that Nigeria and Nigerians depend on the courage, resilience and competence of the Nigerian Army to surmount the myriad security challenges confronting our nation.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the General Officer Commanding one Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna and Commander Sector one Operation FANSA YAMMA, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, said the Nigerian Army will not rest on its oars in its collective efforts to defeat the enemies of the State.
He pointed out that the 21 weeks intensive training exercise tagged: Fast Bolt 111, was missions oriented initiative aimed at enhancing the operational competence of the troops.
The participants were mainly troops of Special Operations Battalion, designated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion 10.
He stated further that “This exercise continues to provide a vital platform for the Nigerian Army to sustain its efforts towards adequately preparing its personnel foe deployment across various theatres of operations”. He reminded the soldiers that the 21 weeks training was primarily designed to equip them with the tactical knowledge, physical resilience, mental alertness and weapon proficiency required to meet the demands of modern warfare.
While congratulating the soldiers for the successful completion of the rigorous exercise, he urged them to bear in mind his Command Philosophy, which places a high premium on combat readiness through consistent, standardized and mission-oriented training.
According to him “In pursuit of this vision, exercise Fast Bolt III was revitalized and conducted to double-stream. Thus, the duration was extended from three to six months to deepen and enhance your operational competence and tactical acumen.
“The curriculum was equally harmonized with other Nigerian army training packages such as Exercise Restore Hope and the Basic Battle Courses.This approach ensures uniformity in the training standards across formations and contributes significantly to the joint force posture of the Nigerian Army”.
The Chief of Army Staff expressed happiness that the training exercise was executed entirely by indigenous instructors, leveraging operational experience, tactics and solutions relevant to the Army operational environment.
“This is a testament to our commitment to building internal capacity and promoting self-reliance in our training doctrine. The outstanding performance you have demonstrated affirms the effectiveness of this approach and strengthens my confidence in your readiness to be deployed anywhere in defence of our nation”.
He further urged them to internalize the ethos of the Nigerian Army, loyalty, courage, discipline and selfless service, stressing that “your true test lies not in the training grounds but in the field where your actions will speak volumes. “Be assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to provide you with the support needed to succeed”, he added
Earlier in his welcome address, Commander Nigeria Army Training Center (NATRAC), Kontagora, Major General John Sokoya commended the trainees for their perseverance, resilience, doggedness and states that their training is a mission oriented training initiative aimed at enhancing the operational competence of our troops.
He therefore enjoined them to put into practice all that they have learnt during the 21 weeks intensive training, adding that the training will continue to provide a vital platform for the Nigerian Army to sustain its efforts towards adequately preparing it’s personnel for deployment across various theatres of operations.
The highlight of the graduation ceremony was the decoration of a soldier, Sergeant Joshua Danju from NATRAC Admin Battalion for his act of gallantry when he rescued Armoured vehicle and other armaments during an attack at Kwana Dutse while under heavy gun fire with new rank of Staff Sergeant by the COAS.
Also the event witnessed the presentation of certificates, tree planting and commissioning of two newly constructed twelve family Corporal Below Quarters to alleviate accommodation challenge in the NATRAC.
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