By Akanimo Sampson
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, says the Nigerian Army is not only locked in fighting insurgency everywhere in the country.
Buratai said the army has been busy developing capacity to contribute to the country’s economic development.
He was speaking through the army’s Chief of Policy and Plan, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosu, at the Nigerian Army Special Day at the ongoing 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Besides its primary role of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, Buratai says the army is deeply involved in fighting insurgency in the North East and other internal security operations across the country.
“In line with global trends, the NA is developing its capacity to contribute to the economic development agenda of the present political leadership through the establishment of some army units such as Nigeria Army Farm and Ranches.
“NA Post Service Housing Development Limited, Command Engineering Depot as well as NA Property Limited and NA Welfare Limited by Guarantee,’’ the army chief says.
He commended the efforts of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in collaboration with the Command Engineering Depot (CED), under the leadership of Major General Victor Ezugwu for the historic research, development and production of EZUGWU, the first indigenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle using 70 per cent local content.
Continuing, he says, “additionally, the strategic alliance between DICON and CED has led to the Jos production of patrol vehicles, bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets most importantly mine and IED clearance equipment.
“These vehicles and equipment which are on display at this venue have been inducted into the military counter-insurgency operations in the North F Other NA outfits that have added value to the economic development of Nigeria include NA Post Service Housing Scheme. NA Proper Ltd, and Nigerian Army Farms & Ranches.
“These outfits do not only serve the interest of NA personnel but also avail its products and services to the general public at relatively affordable prices, hence our participation at Kano, Abuja and now Kaduna International Trade Fairs.”
He points out that the overall objective is to make the army a people’s institution with versatility in fighting the enemies of Nigeria and food insecurity on the other hand.
The Medical Corps, according to him, has equally impacted positively on the Health Sector across Nigeria by providing medical assistance not only to the troops but also to the civil populace.
“Permit me to assure you all of the commitment of the NA in collaboration with our sister Services to always emerge victorious against the enemies of our national peace and security.
“Specifically, a few days ago, our troops deployed in Damboa, Bornu State recorded a resounding tactical victory against the evil forces of Boko Haram who dare the superiority of our forces.
“They paid very dearly for it by the monumental losses in men and equipment. Let me once more remind us that the ongoing operations in the North-East are asymmetrical and not conventional warfare.
“We hereby solicit the support, prayers, patience and understanding of all Nigerians. There is no doubt that the much-expected victory which comes from God alone shall be ours.
“Let me commend the officials of KADCCIMA, the DG DICON and other NA companies and establishment that graced this trade fair for their impressive outing at this NA Special Day at the 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair.
“It is very obvious that this platform provides one of the best opportunities to interact and enlighten the civil populace about the constitutional roles of the NA in contemporary time,’’ Buratai says.
