The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged field commanders to be proactive and redouble their efforts in dealing with the myriad of security challenges bedeviling the nation.

He reminded formation and unit commanders on the need to ensure systematic inspection of arms and ammunition as well as the various holding facilities.

General Yahaya gave the charge while speaking Friday at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2021 in Abuja.

“I am convinced that this Conference has provided the much needed direction towards building capacity of the Nigerian Army to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of our dear country.

“We have equally considered the various security issues plaguing our nation. Consequently, our focus for the coming year would be on developing capacities for improved performances across board. Emphasis will be placed on both individual and unit training that will enhance teamwork and professionalism.

“In the conduct of our operations, commanders must be proactive and aggressive in order to defeat the adversary. Let me state at this point that we must ensure all our deployments in the theatres of operations are held in strength to defeat any attack. Commanders must also look at the possibilities of conducting wide range of operations against bandits and terrorists.”

The Army Chief further urged commandants of Nigerian Army Corps schools to ensure they conduct realistic training in their various institutions to ensure officers and soldiers are equipped with the right skills and competencies to confront all criminal elements in the various theatres of operations.
He called on commanders to ensure that their troops master the art of night operations and anti-ambush drills by engaging in effective night operations and anti-ambush drill training.

“We must take the fight to the adversary in order to neutralize and defeat them. Furthermore, commanders are also urged to develop contingency plans to ensure our forces always retain the initiative in all our theatres of operation.

“ that vein, commanders must plan for the possible increase in scope and dimension of the activities of violent state actors in the coming year.

While advising those fueling the crises in various locations across the Country desist from their unpatriotic acts, General Yahaya said the Army will remain committed and unapologetic to ensure peace returns to every part of the Country in no distant time.

He further assured of visible signs of improved security across the Country in the coming year.