By Victor Akaa, Abuja
The Ministry of Defence has reassured its commitment and determination to provide the needed support to the Nigerian Army to deal decisively with all forms of criminal minded elements confronting the nation.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Musa Istifanus gave the assurance when he led a delegation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Dr. Istifanus noted that the ministry was 100 percent ready to give its maximum and desired support to the Nigerian Army in all its operations ,programmes and campaigns to heighten its operations towards securing Nigerian people.
While expressing worry over the pockets of insecurity in the country, Dr Istifanus commended General Attahiru for unprecedented and remarkable achievements recorded so far since assuming office as COAS.
According to him, the COAS has taken off in good note by dominating the operations and giving a marching order that culminated into recapturing of Marte as well as securing Dikwa settlement and its environs, places that were hitherto under the control of Boko Haram.
He congratulated the COAS on his new appointment and described him as best man suitable for job.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the COAS appointment generated general support from the majority Nigerians and wished him a successful tenure.
He therefore thanked the NA for the sacrifices made so far in securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria and pledged for its sustenance.
In his remarks, the COAS, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru assured the Permanent Secretary of Nigerian Army’s total commitment towards ensuring that the current security challenges bedeviling the country become the thing of the past.
General Attahiru noted that the NA had recorded unprecedented defeat against terrorists and also had built the desired requisite capacity needed for its personnel for efficient and maximum performance.
He said his leadership will focus on providing effective strategic and operational leadership that will enhance NA operations.
General Attahiru assured that the NA under his watch will continue to defend the Territorial integrity of the country as well as advancing the national interest within the constitutional responsibility despite the attendant limitations.
He thanked the ministry for the leadership and policy direction and support the NA has been enjoying over the period.
“As may be aware ,my vision for the army is to have ‘ a Nigerian Army that is Repositioned to Professionally Defeat all Adversaries in a joint Environment.”
To achieve his vision ,the COAS solicited for an enhanced and continuous collaboration with the ministry to increase capacity development, provision of logistics and manpower among others for operational efficiency.
He thanked Dr. Istifanus for the visit saying it was a morale booster to the officers and frontline troops to encourage them heightened their operations against the terrorists and other criminal minded elements.
