By Mohammed Lawal, Bauchi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has solicited for the support and cooperation of the retired officers of the army on best ways of improving its operations in accordance with international best practice.
General Yahaya made the request at the 2022 reunion and pulling out ceremony of 45 retired senior armour officers organized by the Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Armoured Corps Bauchi.
He said the theme of the occasion, “Harnessing the Combat Power of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in Defeating Present and Future Threats within a joint Environment” is in line with his vision and resolve to develop a highly professional Army capable of conducting operations in a joint environment without any hindrance.
Represented by the Commander, Corps of Infantry, Major General Tari-Timiye Gagariga, the Army boss noted that, the armoured corps has been known to have a professional officers who have distinguish themselves in their military career upto their retirement.
“I am delighted to be with you on this very important occasion which has come at a better time when we are currently involved in a number for operations across the country.
The Armoured Corps had remained the key players in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping among other forms of insecurity across the nation with remarkable success. The success is as a result of the support of President Muhammadu Buhari to reinvigorate the Army through modernization process.
“I will continue to support the Corps to achieve the desired goal and to collectively surmount the present and future security challenges and I enjoy the serving officers to use the avenue to interact with the very senior officers to tap from their wealth of experience.”
General Faruk Yahaya said to consolidate on the gains achieved so far, there is need for the armoured corps to continue to work in conjunction with other security agencies in order to defeat the various security challenges bedeviling the country.
The army chief commended the Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed for his support to Nigeria Army and assured that, his key priorities would be maintaining all operational readiness through improved training, recruitment of good personnel, modernization of equipments and better welfare for troops.
Speaking at occasion, the Bauchi governor, Bala Mohammed remarked that, the deployment of military personnel in tackling insecurity across the country is yielding positive results.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Baba Tela, Governor Bala assured of his administration’s continued support to the army and other security agencies for the maintenance of peace and security in the state.
Earlier, the Commander Armoured Corps Bauchi, Major General Sulaiman Idris pointed out that, the troops of the corps have been performing well with remarkable success in line with the policy of the Chief of Army Staff.
“The selection of the theme of this occasion is apt as troops of the Corps as part of the larger Nigeria Army troops are currently involved in a number of operations in different theaters within the country. We must appreciate COAS for his leadership especially procurement of new equipments for effective operations.
