By Olayemi Esan
The House of Representatives Committee on Army has expressed support for the feasibility of the Nigerian Army Aviation.
Chairman House Committee on Army, Honourable Abdulrazak Namdas stated this on Thursday when he led other members on a visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the visit was part of the committee's oversight functions.
According to him, Honourable Namdas said the security of lives and property is crucial to President Muhammadu Buhari, hence the committee embarked on the legislative duty to ascertain if resources appropriated to the Nigerian Army in the 2021 budget have been utilized effectively.
He further stated that the oversight activities of the committee availed them the opportunity to appraise ongoing operations and its challenges, with a view to prioritizing Nigerian Army's requirements in subsequent budgets.
The committee also lauded the recent recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigerian Army at Falgore Forest, Kano State, under the leadership of the COAS, describing it as a fair and transparent exercise.
While commenting on the ongoing operations across the country, the Chairman pointed out that the Army has recorded enormous success across various theatres of operations in the country.
He added that the exercises recently launched by the COAS to stem the tide of insecurity in the South-South, South-East, South-West and North Central parts of the country have started to yield positive results.
He particularly commended the synergy demonstrated in the conduct of joint operations by the Army, other sister services and security agencies, noting, that it is the way to go in modern operations.
Responding, the COAS commended the Committee for the visit, noting that it will further crystalize the cordial relationship between the Army and the House of Representatives.
He used the opportunity to emphasize the operational significance of Nigerian Army Aviation, adding that the Nigerian Army under his watch will continue to leverage the support of the National Assembly to bring this to fruition.
The COAS re-echoed the Nigerian Army's zero tolerance for human rights abuse, as well as adherence to rules of engagements in all its operations.
He averred that under his watch, troops must continue to conduct themselves in the most professional manner in line with global best practices.