By Olayemi Esan
Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) has congratulated the Chief of Atmy Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for the critical role played in ensuring the defence and security of the country.
The Minister made this known during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff's Annual Conference 2021, saying, the Conference is an avenue to re-assess the preparedness and operational readiness of the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional roles.
The Minister who was represented by Director, Army Affairs Ministry of Defence, Mr. Attah Sunday said, this has been made possible by the visionary leadership and direction of our noble President especially in the area of addressing the security challenges in the country.
"I am bold to say that due to the doggedness of the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Army in particular, peace is gradually being restored to all the troubled areas in the country.
He implore military personnel to continue decimating the bandits, terrorists and insurgents within our country.
He said, "It is imperative to state that the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province are being curtailed to the barest minimum in adherence to the President Buhari's directives.
"I am confident in the capability of our Armed Forces to decimate these terrorist and this must be achieved soonest.
"I am optimistic that the deliberations during the Conference will generate new strategies for enhancing stability in our country and greatly assist you in charting a better course for the Nigerian Army in the coming Year 2022", he said.
The Minister added that, in line with the Ministry of Defence core mandate of maintaining men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a state of combat readiness on land, sea and air; he appreciate the President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick intervention in the approval of funds for the immediate/emergency procurement of critical equipment and platforms for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tackle the spate of insecurity across the country.
"We are indeed most grateful for the enormous support given to the Armed Forces handling the series of security challenges confronting our nation", he added.
He called for jointness and unity amongst the three Services especially in the conduct of various ongoing operations within the country.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for putting in place measures to achieve this, adding that, more synergy is still required to ensure that all operations on the ground reflect that jointness in all ramifications for greater successes.
The Minister also commiserate with the Armed Forces and families of those personnel who have paid the supreme price to keep our country safe and to implore the Service Chiefs to ensure that those wounded in action are given the best medical attention possible, saying, the Federal Government will continue to support the families of those who lost their lives and the wounded personnel.
He therefore emphasized on the need for the Armed Forces to remain professional in carrying out its constitutional roles. "Remember that this was the oath you swore on joining the military", he said.
