By Chioma Iruke
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Faruk Yahaya, has warned against excuses from Commanders leading troops in tackling security challenges facing the country.
Mr Yahaya gave the warning at the opening of the “Combined Second and Third Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference’’ on Monday in Abuja.
He said the army under his command would remain resolute and continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling the challenges, as he further disclosed that he had directed that the tempo of all ongoing operations be sustained and improved upon.
“Commanders must, therefore, glean from my `Command Philosophy’ to ensure that operational and administrative proficiencies of Nigerian Army units and formations are sustained and improved upon.
“Commanders must seize initiative and commanders must take initiative, they must take decisive actions to defeat the threats in their respective areas of responsibilities (AORs).
“I will not again take or accept no excuses. Gentlemen, failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances,” he said.
Mr Yahaya said that efforts were on to provide the army with combat enablers to enhance and boost its operations towards addressing the logistics constraints.
He also said that concerted efforts were being made to eliminate the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which had been a major impediment to troops and their operations in the North East.
The Army Chief assured the Commanders of his determination to rebuild the fighting skills, capacity, confidence and morale of the troops across the various theatres of operations.
He added that 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.
“This would be closely followed by procurement that ensures appropriate kitting and provision of protective gear, weapons, equipment and platforms.
“Let me however remind you all that while no effort will be spared in achieving these goals, it is command responsibility to ensure the sustenance and maintenance of all equipment.
“We must therefore strive to improve our maintenance culture to prolong the life span of our platforms and equipment,” he added.
