NA Inter-Formation Competition: We’re more equipped to tackle security challenges – COAS

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, presenting the trophy to the 1st position, Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja, on behalf of Bauchi state Governor, Bala Mohammed

ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has said that the recently concluded Inter-Formation Platoon Officers’ Crossing Competition, 2021, would help officers and men of the Nigerian Army in combatting insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

COAS Yahaya stated this in his speech while declaring the 4-day event closed at the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi on Friday.

Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, Major General Suleiman Idris, said that the training had been quite eventful as “the competition had brought realism and relevance to our training.”

The Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, Major General Suleiman Idris, presenting the 2nd position trophy to the 82 Division, Enugu.

He also said that it has also helped the Nigerian Army in its ongoing efforts aimed at improving fitness, training, information, units and its other establishments.

He said: “The competition had also created the enabling environment to exhibit military camaraderie needed for cooperation and unity of efforts in the conduct of trainings for operations”.

“I am pleased to note that the zeal I saw in the aims and objectives of this competition is successfully achieved. I am glad with the way you conducted yourselves professionally throughout the period of this competition.

“The Nigerian Army has been in the forefront of combatting insurgency, terrorism, armed banditry and other security challenges amongst many others. Hence, the experience gathered during this training is of very great importance.

“I am sure the competition has sharpen your skills, built your endurance and teamwork amongst many others.”

The COAS congratulated the winning formation, Army Headquarters Garrison saying the result of their hard work has paid off.

He also charged the loosing formation, not to remain downcast but to take away valid lessons they will use to improve their performance in future competitions and “I therefore urge you not to rest on your oars but strive to build on the standards achieved on the field.”

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, for their unrelenting and continuous support to the Nigerian Army.

In his speech, Governor Bala Mohammed described as impressive and something to cherish to see the Nigerian Army fit in all circumstances knowing the kind of situations they get into when they get into the positions of war.

“I am impressed and I have attended a number of Army activities including physical training and others but I have not been more impressed by any activity more than this one. Definitely, this is one of the best Army activity that I have attended in my career and in my life, so I congratulate you.

“What again impressed me with the Nigerian Army is that even after the rigorous exercise, the running, the crossing, and the rest, all of them have the strength to participate in dancing and singing. This is shows that they still have energy and they can go in they are asked to do so.”

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Baba Tela, said that the training received by the officers and men of the Nigerian Army will help them in confronting the challenges ahead particularly insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.

He said: “I believe this training and all other trainings that have been undertaken by the Nigerian Army will continue to prepare the Nigerian Army for the challenges ahead. I believe more challenges are going to come.

“Like you all know and as enumerated earlier on, the challenges of insurgency, banditry and so many other things happening almost all over the nation. It started in the northeast and spread to the northwest and now going to the north central and only God knows where it will go to.

“And we only have the Nigerian Army to protect us from these insurgent. We will always appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army from the Commander in Chief to the last person in the Nigerian Army for their efforts in securing this nation, in ensuring that we live peacefully and in making sure that Nigeria remains one indivisible county for a very long time to come.”

He assured that the government and people of Bauchi state are always ready to assist, participate and collaborate with the Nigerian Army at any level to ensure the success of the work they are set out to do.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies to the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, 82 Division, Enugu, 3 Division, His which came 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. Prizes were also presented to the 4th to 7th positions.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*