The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has assured Nigerians and the rest of the world that the Nigerian Army remains the best and committed to protecting lives and property.
Buratai made it known at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference, 2019 in Kaduna, where he commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his tremendous support to the Nigerian Army since he assumed office in 2015
According to him, ” the transformation of Nigerian Army to present status commenced immediately President Buhari took over power as transformation has further positioned us to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army playing its constitutional role.
“We are gathered here today and throughout this week to better position Nigerian Army in the year 2020 and beyond.
“We are honoured to have you in our midst Mr. President, to unveil the locally manufactured mine protected anti Ambush vehicle popularly known as EZUGWU MRAP.
“We are honoured to have you here at the commissioning of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital which is a level four United Nations hospital standard.
“We have intensified our civil – military as well as civil- media military relationship, which gives us several advantages for the overall benefit of our beloved country.
“Nigerian Army is committed to ensuring safety of all Nigerians”.
He further assured President Buhari of 100 per cent loyalty and support of all the officers and men of the Nigerian Army.
“We are grateful for your support Mr. President, I want to humbly reassure you Mr. President of our unalloyed support and loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution,” he assured.
Speaking earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari said his impressed by the roles played by Nigerian Army in fighting insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He expressed this while delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2019 in Kaduna on Tuesday.
“Our Army has achieved a lot since my assumption as Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces in 2015.
“I salute the courage and efforts of personnel of Nigerian Army. I am impressed with their operations,” he said.
He said that this conference stands as a platform to access activities for 2019 and make projections for 2020.
“It is critical for development of Nigerian Army. One of cardinal objectives of this administration is providing security,” he said
He described the conceptualization of the Super Camp concept of Operations Lafiya Dole as a welcome development, which is yielding results.
“I wish to commend the efforts of COAS in transforming by he Nigerian Army.
“This government will continue to support the army to achieve a modern Army of the future.
“We will continue to use available resources to provide for your operational needs and welfare.
“It is my believe that the conference will generate content to further advance the Army.
” I am also glad with the production of EZUGWU MRAP shows that our efforts are yielding positive results,” he added.
The conference with the theme, “Application of the Cutting Edge of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary Security Challenges” attracted several dignitaries, including former head of general Yakubu Gowon, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) and Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.
Others spotted were former Chief of Defence and Chief of Army Staff, General ML. Agwai, Major General Kenneth Minimah, Major General Ihejirika Major General Abdulrahman Dambazau, Maj General Chris Alli and Maj Gen Alwali Kazir.