In a bid to sustain and improve the tempo in the ongoing operations across the country, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has ordered for special operations in the North Central and Northwest geopolitical zones.
The operation, according to the Army chief, is aimed at addressing the deteriorating security infractions in the regions.
Yahaya gave this directive on Monday at the COAS Combined Second and Third Quarter Conference 2021 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers' Mess 1 in Abuja.
Lt. Gen. Yahaya said the Nigerian army has commenced building bridges across the Services and agencies through robust joint, inter-agency, and inter-governmental framework to confront the current security challenges.
"As formation commanders and Principal Staff Officers, your role is critical to the attainment of my vision. As officers and commanders under whose charge are placed men, material and other resources, you are the key drivers of these pillars," he said.
He added, "You must therefore note that even if we have all we require, we might not achieve much without you providing effective leadership, good attitude and acting professionally in all our conduct of operations and other activities."
He therefore charged them to immediately key into his vision so that together, they can take the Nigerian Army to greater heights.
Yahaya opined that, Commanders must therefore borrow from his philosophy to ensure that operational and administrative proficiency of Nigerian Army units and formations are sustained and improved upon.
"Commanders must seize initiative and must take initiative, they must take decisive actions to defeat the threats in their respective AORs. I will not again take or accept no excuses. Gentlemen, failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances."
He added that efforts are in progress to combat logistics constraints affecting operations across and boost operations across the country.
In addition, he said concerted efforts are also being made to eliminate the threat of improvised explosive devices which has been a major impediment to troops and operations in Operation Hadin Kai.
The Army chief also said he is determined to rebuild the fighting skills, capacity, confidence and morale of troops across the various theatres of operations.
"Training must also be given due attention that it deserves. In order to achieve this, priorities for the fourth quarter of the year would include training and more training.
"I will ensure that through functional training, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are equipped with the right attitude, competences and skills to effectively undertake daring missions in addition to developing special operations forces," he said.
He said this would be closely followed by procurement that ensures appropriate kitting and provision of protective gear, weapons, equipment and platforms.
Lt. Gen. Yahaya said he is committed to restoring, developing, and improving the confidence, skills and competences of individual soldier progressively in his career up to Senior non-commissioned officers and warrant officers' levels.
He therefore charged Training and Doctrine Command along with the Department of Army Training, Corps and Nigerian Army Schools to develop additional leadership training modules, courses and curriculum to enhance the career of individual soldier.
"We need similar additional leadership development modules and courses for our young officers to enable them grow as competent, effective leaders and commanders.
On welfare, Lt Gen. Yahaya said, welfare is not only limited to monetary incentives or promotion, but it also includes effective and realistic training which would save the troops' lives and avert injuries.
Welfare as part of effective training would include guiding and mentoring of subordinates, appreciating their strength and weaknesses and being firm and fair to them in all circumstances.
He therefore commended the officers and soldiers of the for their sacrifice in ensuring that the Army fulfills its Constitutional responsibilities.
He stated also that the Army under his watch will remain resolute and continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling the security challenges confronting the country.
