The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya on Thursday emphasized the importance of the Combat Support Arms to the success of any military offensive noting the the combat support arm serves as enablers to defeating all adversaries by the Nigerian Army.
Gen Yahaya who was represented by the Commander of Army Artillery Corps, Major Gen Tari-Timiye Gagariga made the disclosure at the closing of the Combat Support Arms Training Week (COSAT) 2022, hosted by the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the COAS, the role of the combat support arms was critical to the accomplishment of assigned missions, especially in today’s 21st century asymmetric warfare adding that it was with the realisation of such critical role that the Nigerian army will continue to count on the professional disposition of the personnel in the ongoing efforts to keep the country safe and united.
He reiterated that this year’s training week has provided a window for realistic re-assessment of the capabilities of the combat support arms vis-a-vis the challenges therein.
His words, “We must therefore device formidable ways through which some of these challenges can be overcome to achieve mission objectives.
“While, we look forward to internalising some of the observations and solutions, including lessons learnt, I want to also seize this opportunity to urge you all to continue to discharge your responsibilities professionally.
“I also charge all Nigerian army personnel to conduct themselves professionally in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility.
“I have no doubt that everyone has gained immensely from the rich lectures and illuminating views of our erudite colleagues, both retired and serving distinguished officers.
“I believe the training week afforded participants the opportunity, especially for the combat support arms, to appraise the state of their operations and readiness in providing effective support to the combat arms and the Nigerian army in general.
“This is crucial, particularly as the nation faces myriad of security challenges.
“As you are aware, the Army is expected to deliver on her mandate at a time we are engaged in different operations across the country to safeguard law abiding citizens and to defend the territorial integrity of the country,” he added.
While noting the expectation that the gains achieved during the 2022 COSAT week would manifest in the field in the days to come, Gen Yahaya said the theme, “Building Competencies in Combat Support Arms to Enhance Contemporary Nigerian Army Operation in a Joint Environment” had no doubt, inspired rich discussions and interactions between participants throughout the period.
He enjoined the combat support arms to take note of the observations and solutions proffered during the interactive sessions to further develop their professional competences.
The Nigerian Army Combat support week is an annual training organised by the various combat support arms, such as artillery, engineers, signals and intelligence among others.
The week provides an avenue for participants who are serving and retired senior military officers to brainstorm and re-strategise toward providing effective support to contemporary security operations.
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