Against the backdrop of secessionist agitation and threats of kidnapping, armed robbery attacks in the South East, the General Officer Commanding 82 division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Abubakar has said that the focus of the Division’s ‘2017 Training Directive’ would be on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Training as well as Operations Other Than War.
The GOC spoke during a working visit to Formations and Units under his command which took place between Wednesday 18 – Thursday 19 January, 2017.
Abubakar while visiting the 34 Brigade, Owerri where he was briefed by the Brigade Commander Brigadier General KAY Ishiaku on the operational readiness of the Formation, urged officers and soldiers to remain resolute and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.
He and his team later inspected some Artillery guns, armory, the Brigade’s Range and accommodation for Officers, Soldiers and their Families.
A statement by Col Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Army public relations, said “Similarly, on Friday 20 January 2017, the GOC was in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment and 14 Field Engineer Regiment Onitsha, where he examined some Artillery guns, equipment, guns’ shades and ongoing accommodation works for Soldiers and their Families.
Addressing Officers and Soldiers of the Units, the GOC said, “Your responsibility here is to ensure the security of Anambra State by denying armed robbers, rampaging herdsmen, kidnappers, cultists, violent agitators and other criminals the freedom of action”.
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“Consequently, I, strongly urge you to study the Nigerian Army and specifically the 82 Division Training Directives 2017, with the view to proactively formulate workable solutions to peculiar security threats in your respective Areas of Responsibilities”.
“For emphasis, the focus of 82 Division 2017 Training Directive would be on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Training as well as Operations Other Than War”, he said.
“The objective is to overcome the current and emerging security challenges in our Divisional Area of Responsibility”.
General Abubakar noted that the Chief of Army Staff ‘is highly committed to troops’ welfare in the areas of hospitals, uniforms/Kitts, accommodation, salaries and allowances’ saying “We, therefore, have no reason to allow breakdown of law and order in our respective Areas of Operations”.
He commended troops of 34 Brigade, 302 Artillery General Support and 14 Field Engineer Regiments for the successful hosting of the COAS Conference 2016 at Owerri, and the successes achieved during Exercises Crocodile Smile and Python Dance in the Delta and South Eastern Regions.
He also charged Officers and Senior Non Commission Officers to consolidate on mentoring the young soldiers about the rudiments of military professionalism, – the art of soldiering – such as – diligence to duty, discipline and good morale.
“By now, we should all be prepared mentally and physically to execute all assigned tasks contained in the 2017 NA/82 Division Training Directive.
“This is an area that I urge you to execute with all the seriousness it deserves” he said.
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