By Olayemi Esan
The Chief of Army Staff Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Tuesday, paid a visit to Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) over recent security breach in the Academy.
NDA Public Relations Officer, Maj. Bashir Muhammad Jajira made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
The COAS visited the Academy to get a firsthand brief on the incident and to commiserate with the commandant NDA, Maj. Gen. IM Yusuf, and the NDA community.
It could be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. LEO Irabor paid similar visit to the Academy on 24 August 2021.
In his welcome address, the Commandant NDA briefed the COAS on the breach and expressed appreciation for his encouragement and support before and after the incident, particularly the efforts being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
He particularly thanked the COAS for upgrading the Academy Demonstration battalion to a full-fledged battalion; provision of six gun trucks, posting in of more instructors and staff, and the provision of other numerous operational enablers to enhance the security of the Academy and its environs.
The Commandant informed the COAS that the support measures have really boosted the morale of the staff and the security of the Academy.
He also briefed the Gen. Yahaya on the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the Academy.
He assured that this incident has actually reinforced the cohesion of the entire community who has vowed to provide formidable support and prevent future occurrence.
In his remarks, the COAS said he was in the Academy to obtain a firsthand brief on the recent security breach, and reassure the Commandant and staff of the Nigerian Army’s support and solidarity in the fight against insecurity.
The COAS further commended the Commandant NDA, the GOC 1 Division, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command and heads of other security agencies in Kaduna State in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
He assured the Academy that the Nigerian Army would also provide it with additional operational enablers to further enhance the security of the Academy.
The COAS appealed to the staff to remain loyal to the country and not allow the unfortunate incident deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the armed forces.
He further enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff to remain vigilant because the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.
The COAS vowed that no matter how long it takes, the perpetrators of the heinous act would be brought to justice and urged the Commandant not to be deterred, but remain focus on the good job he is doing.
He also undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the incident before departing.