Against the backdrop of increased demands for Nigerian troops for foreign peacekeeping assignments, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya has said the Nigerian Army will continue to balance its participation in Peace Support Operations vis-a-vis ongoing Internal Security Operations.
He said, “This is also considering that our internal security operations could be supported from accruals to Nigeria from the United Nations thereby augmenting the Federal Government of Nigeria’s support to the Nigerian Army”.
The COAS was spoke through the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General OT Akinjobi at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Peace Support Operation’s Seminar titled ‘Nigeria in Contemporary Peace Support Operations Environment”.
He said, “Additionally, the Nigerian Army’s continuous participation in Peace Support Operations and contribution to regional and global peace will not only project its military and diplomatic element of national power but also enhance its relevance in the comity of nations.
“I want to appreciate the Key note speaker, Lt Gen Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, Maj Gen Moses Obi, resource persons, partners, participants and all those who have contributed greatly in the discourse during this Seminar.
“I believe that the objective of this maiden seminar which is to provide an avenue for participants to interact and share experiences as well as exchange ideas in peace support operations have been achieved.
“It is believed that the knowledge gained here will significantly contribute in better preparations and performances in our current and future participation in Peace Support Operations.
“While the Nigerian Army has renewed its drive at up-scaling its participation in Peace Support Operations, we are not oblivious of the myriad of security challenges across Nigeria.
“I believe that your time here was well spent and I expect you to continue to reflect on what you have gained during this period and ensure you add value to your respective offices and organizations.
“Finally, my profound appreciation goes to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army.”
Other resource persons at the seminar include former Chief of Training and Operations at Defence headquarters, Major General Awala (rtd), former Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Akinroluyo (rtd).
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