By ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE, Kaduna

….War against insurgency all inclusive

The Nigerian Army said it has developed new strategies to contain the current security challenges confronting the nation and prepare the force to combat the future security challenges.This was as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu said that, the fight against insurgency and terrorism is an all inclusive one.The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth     Minimah disclosed this at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Direct Short Service Course 21/2013 in Jaji, Kaduna State yesterday.

He reminded the 197 Officer Cadets who were subsequently commissioned into the Nigerian Army as Lieutenants, that they were coming into the force at a time the nation is faced with daunting security challenges, therefore, their role in providing junior leadership to the men under their authority cannot be over-emphasized.

According to the COAS, “in recent years, the atrocious activities of terrorists and sundry criminals in various parts of our nation have sounded a clarion call to duty that we must answer with great devotion and commitment.

“The challenges ahead are indeed enormous but surmountable with courage and determination.

“Already, we have developed and implemented new strategies not only to contain current threats but also to better prepare us to combat future security challenges”, he stated.

He however told the newly commissioned officers that, the armed forces’ duty to remain loyal to the constitution of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR was non-negotiable.

Highlight of the occasion was a very colourful parade to the admiration of the guest. The parade was closely followed by the Presidential Commissioning of the young officer’s, which was done by the Army Chief on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff who also spoke at the POP of Direct Short Service (DSS) Commission Course 23/2014 of the Nigerian Air Force, held at NAF base, Kaduna yesterday, said the Air Force was sparing no efforts to rid Nigeria of the scourge of terrorism and insurgency and bequeath to the nation, the peace and stability needed for development and prosperity.

Air Marshal Amosu called on all Nigerians to join in the fight against insurgency, saying Nigerians should build national cohesion that transcends primodial sentiments and rise above any interest that tends to tear the nation apart.


Source: Sun