Take the fight to enclaves of terrorists, criminals to neutralize them, Army Chief Charges Commanders
Tough times await terrorists, bandits and sundry violent criminals as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, has ordered Army Commanders to raise the bar in the conduct of their operations by taking the fight to identified and known enclaves of terrorists and criminals anywhere in the country, to neutralize them. The Army Chief said Commanders must be proactive in the conduct of their operations, noting that laissez fair attitude will not be tolerated.
General Yahaya gave the charge on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference held in Abuja. He said Commanders at all levels must provide quality and good leadership while imbibing the core values of the Nigerian Army. According to him, Commanders must also ensure that they remain selfless, build and earn the respect and confidence of their subordinates in order to lead effectively.
“I want to remind formation and unit commanders on the need to ensure adequate security of their bases, barracks and cantonment. Commanders would be held responsible for any security breach. The importance of leadership cannot be over-emphasised especially in the military”.
“Therefore, Commanders at all levels must provide quality and good leadership while imbibing the core values of the Nigerian Army. Commanders must also ensure that they remain selfless, build and earn the respect and confidence of their subordinates in order to lead effectively. I have directed that leadership training modules be developed and utilized in all our training institutions to enhance the career and performance of all NA personnel.
In the conduct of their operations, the COAS directed that commanders must ensure that their troops maintain a state of constant alertness and vigilance at all times to avoid any surprise attack by the adversary.
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“It is also the task of commanders to take care of the resources and logistics put at their disposal for the conduct of operations towards achieving results. Laissez faire attitudes on the part of commanders would not be tolerated. Like I have always said, failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances.
“To that end, I have directed the appropriate departments to come up with modalities for the evaluation of the performance of commanders in the course of their command. Additionally, commanders must continue to cooperate and work in synergy with our sister Services, other security agencies and stakeholders while developing novel processes, strategies, and tactics to overwhelm the enemy using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Commanders must be proactive in the conduct of their operations. You must take the fight into the identified and known enclaves of terrorists and criminals to neutralize them”.
While he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his “strategic guidance and unwavering support”, he also reassured him of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of the Constitution and democratic governance in Nigeria. He also sought the understanding and support of all Nigerians to enable the Army serve the Nation as expected.
“I assure Nigerians that in days ahead, there shall be more visible signs of improved security across the Country. I would like to seize this opportunity to advise those fueling the crises being witnessed across the Country to desist from their unpatriotic acts as we remain committed to ensure peace returns to every part of the Country in no distant time”.
“The Nigerian Army, within the ambit of rule of law, will talk to the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other perpetrators of violence in the language they understand while ensuring that all peace-loving citizens of this Country go about their legitimate businesses and live their lives without fear or intimidation”
The three-day conference which kicked-off on Monday had in attendance, Principal Staff Officers at the army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, unit, formations and operational commanders of the Nigerian Army.
At the opening ceremony on Monday, the Army Chief warned Commanders that he was no longer going to accept excuses and directed them to be more proactive and offensive in their operations.
