By Linus Aleke
President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday urged the Nigerian Army (NA), to consolidate its sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.

This is even as he pledged to ensure the sustenance of the ongoing modernization of the Nigerian Army (NA), through the activation of NA Aviation to effectively address contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation.

President Buhari gave this charge while, declaring open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2022, held at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the theme of the COAS conference is, “Building a Professional NA for the 21st Century Security Environment”.

President Buhari revealed, that deliberate efforts have been put in place to fast-track the take-off of NA Aviation through the acquisition of requisite platforms, as proposed in the 2023 budget.

The President reiterated his confidence in the NA and other services to defend Nigeria through the implementation of presidential directives.

He noted that as an element of national power, the NA will continue to be the catalyst of national development through the provision of support to civil authorities.

He affirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to maintain robust policies towards the modernization of the NA and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Buhari commended the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies for improved synergy in accomplishing his directives, adding that the renewed vigour in operations and improved Civil Military co-operation will enable the nation to achieve the desired national security objectives.

The President also assured that government will continue to cater for the families of deceased personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria, through the provision of welfare schemes and educational scholarship programmes.

Buhari urges Army to consolidate offensive against terrorists, bandits, others

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal extolled the tireless efforts of the NA and other security agencies towards ensuring peace and security in Sokoto state.

He also applauded their collective contribution to the improved security in North West Nigeria and other regions.

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), said, the NA has contributed immensely towards combating insecurity in the country.

He urged commanders to take advantage of the conference to proffer practicable solutions to the security challenges confronting the country.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya said the conference is taking place at a time the NA received tremendous support from Mr President, which has boosted the capability of the NA and the Armed Forces in general.

He pointed out that year 2022 has been eventful for the NA, particularly in all theatres of operations, where successes have been progressively recorded.