The Nigerian Army says it will conduct more exercises to sharpen personnel
skills and prepare them to tackle emerging security challenges in the
country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai announced this Monday at
the commencement of the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference
in Abuja.
Buratai explained that exercises were aimed at focusing personnel in real
time operational scenarios as against simulated training situations.
Currently, exercise “Egwu Eke” – Python Dance II is underway in the five
South East states – Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebony and Cross River in
the South South.
Buratai said: “I have given the necessary directives for officers to
embark on mission specific training at home and overseas.
“This is in addition to effort in strengthening and exploring own local
institutions.
“Commanders at all levels are to ensure that orientation cadres are
conducted for young officers and soldiers posted to units in order to
enshrine aspects of unit regimentation early in them.”
He charged formation commanders in theatre of operations to imbibe the
spirit of in-theatre training based on terrain and the changing “tactics
of adversary.”
Buratai noted that evolutionary and global security threats were being
influenced by political, economic, social and technological factors.
“Therefore, the need for regular improvement on the existing capacity of
the Nigerian Army to be able to deal with present and future security
threats is imperative.
“To achieve this, it is paramount to carry out accurate threats assessment
in the formulation of the nation’s security policies which would enhance
the ability of the Nigerian Army to deal with these emerging internal
security threats,” he said.
In an interview with newsmen later, Buratai said exercises and training in
the army were going on continuously, but only gets to public knowledge
when carried out on large scale.
“Since 2015, we have been holding series of exercises,” he said, adding
that the exercises were to reassure Nigerians that the army and other
security agencies were concerned about their safety and security.