Nigerian Soldiers Will Soon Return to Barracks, Says Defence Chief
As the Nigerian military gains ground in the war against insurgency, plans are underway to return soldiers to barracks as the country transitions towards peace.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said regimentation will play a crucial role in maintaining discipline and effectiveness among troops during this period.
He said the decision to return soldiers to barracks is aimed at providing young soldiers and officers with more experience and exposure to military life, ensuring they are better equipped to handle future challenges.
According to him, this is a deliberate effort to re-establish the traditional military culture and discipline.
Gen. Musa gave the hint at the unveiling of Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) tattoo 2025 logo, on Friday at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.
“We want to bring back the regimentation and discipline that is associated with military life,” he said. “We believe that this will help to improve the overall performance and effectiveness of our soldiers.”
The CDS explained that many young soldiers and officers have not had the opportunity to experience life in the barracks, due to the ongoing security operations in the country.
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“We want to allow them to experience the camaraderie and esprit de corps that comes with living and working together in a military environment,” he said.
The return to barracks is also expected to improve the relationship between the military and the civil population.
“We want to reassure the civil population that we are committed to protecting them and their interests,” the CDS said.
“By returning to barracks, we are demonstrating our commitment to our traditional role as protectors of the nation.”
“Regimentation is what keeps the military moving. It’s what teaches soldiers to follow commands and work together as a team, even in the face of adversity,” he said.
He noted that drill is a crucial aspect of military training, as it gives soldiers the command and discipline needed to succeed in battle.
“We are committed to protecting Nigerians and Nigeria, and we want to work together with the civil population to build a safer and more secure country.”
Musa appealed to the civil population to support the military as they made this transition.
“We need the understanding and cooperation of the civil population as we make this transition. We are committed to working together to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said.
The return to barracks is expected to take place in phases, with the first phase commencing in 2025.
The CDS expressed confidence that the move will have a positive impact on the military and the country as a whole.
By PRNigeria
