…HARPS ON PROFESSIONALISM, TROOPS’ ALERTNESS, VIGILANCE
By Okosun Dennis
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya on Monday made a stunning revelation that the enemy men of the Nigerian Army are fighting in terms of security challenges are within.
He explained that “they interact with the people – the community – that is why we must remain professional in whatever we do and work in synergy with other security services and agencies to deal with them.”
While addressing troops at the 65 Battalion Parade Ground at the Bonny Cantonment as part of his operational visit to 81 Division harped on cooperation, synergizing with other services for maximum results against the enemies.
According to the Army Chief, “What you don’t see, another element will see it. What you can’t do; the other element will do it. No service or agency can do it all alone as each service has its competencies it can bring to the table.
“Ours is to harness it hence emphasis must be placed on joint efforts while working in synergy with others to get the result. I urge you to be professional in your work. When we are professional, we treat the enemy as enemies and relate well with other law-abiding citizens – civilians and other members of the society who are law-abiding and doing their job well.
Lt Gen Yahaya who began his familiarisation tour on Sunday with the inauguration of the Nigerian Army School of Ordnance at Epe barracks admonished the soldiers not to trivialized or joke with their professional jobs considering the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State.
“Lagos is a cosmopolitan city. A lot of people are here hence you must remain alert and vigilant. Don’t allow yourself to be carried away by other non-professional acts. Remain as a competent soldier that you are and do things according to laid down provisions.”
He called on the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to live up to the billings and serve as role models to the junior officers.
“I challenge the Non-Commissioned Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers because you have enormous responsibility because of the experience you have had. You have to be on time before you can check somebody for late coming. You have to be well dressed before you can tell somebody he is not well dressed.
On maintaining the symphony of brotherhood in the barracks, the COAS advised, “Let us be our brother’s keeper. Check elements that are trying to disturb our work. There are some soldiers that have overstayed in operation areas and we would try and rotate them. We have very efficient rotation plans that are going on.
“Check your neighbour; assist the family and support them where necessary. If your neighbour has stayed over a year, check their families and support them. Tomorrow, it could be you. If we maintain these values and the core values of the Nigerian Army, we would be better.
On the infrastructural deficit, Gen Yahaya promised to do everything within its powers to make adequate provision for those basic needs to enable troops to perform optimally.
“I have been briefed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu and we would look at those aspects.
“Everything would be done to ensure that soldiers are well accommodated, vehicles are provided for their mobility. We would renovate and build new accommodation for our troops.
“That is why I am here to see you on first hand since I assumed office. It is customary for the new Chief to visit units and formations and interact with troops on the ground and see how they are doing; see areas you can intervene; areas you can support and also hear about their challenges.
“I appreciate you for the good job you are doing and urge you not to rest on your oars but improve on our operations, conducts and activities,” Lt Gen Yahaya noted.
Earlier, he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding GOC 81 Division Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu and officers at the Division Headquarters before inspecting ongoing projects and commissioned others.
At the Bonny Cantonment, after addressing officers and soldiers, he commissioned the newly remodeled and renovated Nigerian Army Medical Reception Station (MRS). He also laid the foundation stone for Corporal below accommodation that would replace the old bacha that has so much dilapidated beyond recognition.
His tour also took him to the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, and Nigerian Army Engineers Corps both in Bonny Cantonment where he commissioned a renovated medical facility.
The highpoint of his day-two activities was the presentation of a Toyota Hilux to the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), 81 Division.
According to the COAS, he intends to replicate such welfare ingenuity at Brigade, Battalion, and Unit levels; a gesture he explained would serve as an additional motivational factor to troops.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/enemies-we-are-fighting-are-within-lt-gen-yahaya-coas/
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