Nigerian Army to Support Adhoc Defence Think-Tank

Nigerian Army to Support Adhoc Defence Think-Tank

The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has pledged Nigerian Army’s support to the Adhoc Defence and Security Think-Tank with valuable recommendations that would help it achieve its mandate. The COAS made the pledge today when he received the committee, led by its Chairman, Major General AM Jibril (rtd) today, Wednesday 5th December 2018, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The COAS commended the Think-Tank for the visit and described their role as important national assignment that would enhance peace and unity in Nigeria. Speaking further, he thanked them for the kind words of encouragement and condolence over the loss of some heroic officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the north east, adding that the attacks that claimed their lives were quite unfortunate and regrettable. He assured that the Army had deploy measures to overcome such incidents in the future. The COAS told the Think Tank, that the Nigerian Army would support them to succeed in their national assignment.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the committee, thanked the COAS for receiving them, disclosing that the committee was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to look into the general security of the country, particularly elements of threats and proffer solutions. He therefore requested for the cooperation and support of the COAS through the provision inputs to enable the committee achieve its goal. He also commiserated with the COAS and the Nigerian Army over the loss of some soldiers during the fight against terrorism in the north east and lauded the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices and expressed hope that Nigeria will soon overcome the security challenges in the country.

The Nigerian Army has pledged to collaborate with Intrepid International Africa Services. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, made the promise today, Wednesday, 5th December 2018, when he received the management of the organisation which was led by Senior Vice President, Vice Admiral DJ Ezeoba (rtd), a former Chief of the Naval Staff, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. Lt Gen Buratai further indicated the interest of the Nigerian Army to partner with the company, saying it is a well-designed concept required to encourage local production in the defence and security sector. He also added that such partnership would boost Nigeria’s economy.

Earlier in his remark, the Senior Vice President of the company, Vice Admiral DJ Ezeoba (rtd), thanked the COAS for receiving his team, adding that they identified the gap in providing logistics support to the Nigerian military that hamper the successful prosecution of some operations. He also commended the Nigerian Army in particular, for leading the counter insurgency operations in the country, maintaining that the collaboration would further enhance the maneuver capability of the Nigerian Army and further enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Army in terms of the production of military equipment. This he added would encourage economic development in Nigeria.

The visit was witnessed by some Principal Staff Officers and Directors of the Army Headquarters.

In another development, the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has promised to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in order to get its landed property recovered from unauthorized individuals and groups. The Chairman of the panel, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, made the pledge today, Wednesday 5th December 2015, when he led the management of the panel on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Chief Obono-Obla who is also SSA to President on Prosecution, commended the Nigerian Army for leading the war against terrorism and insurgency, and other security challenges in other parts of the country. He further lauded the Army under the leadership of General Buratai for leading the campaign against fake news, stating that exponent of fake news in the country were elements of corruption fighting back. He called on all Nigerians to see corruption as security and economic threat in the country. He also promised to work with the leadership of the Army in carrying out its task, disclosing that the role of the panel was to further complement anti-graft agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. According to him, the Public Assets Declaration Act covers all public office holders including personnel of the Nigerian military. The Chairman further called on the COAS to support the organization and to continuously encourage officers of the Nigerian Army to declare their assets.

In his response, the COAS thanked the Panel for the visit, assuring that the Army would partner with it. The COAS also disclosed that he had long ago declared his assets and charged all officers of the Nigerian Army to follow suit. He further expressed happiness with the level of compliance with the directive and expressed willingness to cooperate and support the panel. He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, maintaining that the Nigerian Army would not be distracted in its role to confront security challenges in the country. He said that the Army will remain resolute and support democratic process in the country, which he described as the best for any nation. Some Principal Staff Officers and Directors of the Army Headquarters were present during the visit.

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SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations