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  • Buni Gari 105: Youths hail Buratai, troops over merciless assault on Boko Haram terrorists

    The Progressive Yoruba Youth Council (PYYC) has heaped praises on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai and his troops over a ruthless onslaught on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that left over 150 of them dead in Buni Gari, Yobe State.

    PYYC said that the current push by the Nigerian Army is a renewal of the resolve to cap progress made since President Muhammadu Buhari took over the helms of affairs in 2015.

    In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Comrade Kola Salau, on Monday, the Yoruba youths attributed this latest feat to Lt. Gen Buratai’s presence at the Theatre of Operations.

    To go with the conducive environment his presence availed, PYYC also believes the COAS’ high level intelligence gathering, motivation and top-notch strategies gave the troops victory.

    The group added that Lt. Gen Buratai should be applauded for taking out time to visit various military camps across the Northeast, including the Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno, the Army Super Camp 1 at Mulai and the Special Forces Super Camp 12 at Chabbol near Maiduguri.

    While also commending President Buhari and the troops for their sacrifices, PYYC, however, urged the latter to sustain the momentum in the final clearance operation.

  • Buratai: A Strategist and his Magic Wand

    Buratai: A Strategist and his Magic Wand

    By Charles Robert

    Two American generals have been celebrated over the years for their gallantry and superior strategies at the battlefield.
    The first is General George Patton, an intellectual soldier, who is known for studying the strategies adopted by his predecessors, recruiting the best experts he could find to analyse and process them and using their advice to formulate and deliver his winning strategy.
    The other is General Colin Powell, under whose leadership, the US Army and other allied forces marched to the Gulf for ‘Operation Desert Storm.’
    Powell won the 2006 Truman Peace Prize for his efforts on “war against terrorism,” and is known for prosecuting wars through diplomatic as well as military means while averting regional and civil conflicts.
    A keen observation of the efforts of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, would reveal a great understanding of these two war generals.
    Upon assuming duty as the Chief of Army Staff in 2015, General Buratai brought systemic coordination on the war against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
    Since the Boko Haram terrorists took up arms against the Nigerian state in 2009, various military approaches have been deployed to defeat the sect. President Umaru Yar’Adua in his initial reaction went for the military option and ordered a crackdown on the activities of the sect.
    The strategy worked in one aspect but failed in another. The purely military intervention saw to the elimination of the Boko Haram foot soldiers and the arrest of their spiritual leader but did not put in place measures that will make it difficult for the sect to reorganize and stage a comeback which was what they did after about two years in the cooler. That gap only further hardened the remnants of the sect who regrouped and continued their heinous activities with more aggression and under a new leadership.

    When then President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded Yar’dua, the approach changed as he concentrated mainly on the diplomatic approach by trying to bring the terrorists to a round table but the overtures were severally rebuffed by the terrorists.
    The reluctance to take on the terrorists and the focus on dialogue gave the insurgents the impression that the Nigerian government was weak and enabled them to recruit in large numbers and carry out attacks with more ferocity.
    During this time, banks in major towns and cities were raided, communication installation were vandalized, security posts overran, barracks subdued and weaponries invaded and emptied by the terrorists.
    It was an all time low for Nigeria as Nigerian troops sent to confront the sect members fled to neighboring countries for safety and many were declared AWOL due to the high number of casualty.

    It was when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Buratai as the chief of Army Staff that the story began to change.
    On assuming office in June 2015, General Buratai used the first trimester to study the strategies adopted in the past by his predecessors and this enabled him to understand where the mistakes lay.

    The observations he made gave the Nigerian troops a good understanding of the enemy, the terrain they operate, why past tactics failed and galvanized them into understanding why the war is winnable with a different strategy.

    He also brought to bear the experience of world renowned generals and in no time, the Federal Government of Nigeria became very confident that it set a December 2015 target for the defeat of Boko Haram.
    The tempo which the order was carried out made the Federal Government to gleefully announce the technical defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists. This was unprecedented as the base of the terrorists was terribly weakened and the dreaded base of their operation, Sambisa Forest, was laid bare for all to see.
    Military and security experts who were quick to see a novel strategy that did not only confounds the enemy but obliterates the possibility of resurgence while avoiding civilian casualties at work, tried in vain to explain the phenomena.

    Other nations who were giving up on Nigeria began to look its way and became interested in knowing the formula with which Nigeria was beginning to turn things around.
    It was later that it struck a chord that Buratai must have combined the Patton finesse for assessment of strategies and Powell’s military cum diplomatic approach.
    The combination of high intelligence, subtle diplomacy, military precision and assemblage of the best brains in counter terrorism all worked to produce the desired result.
    General Buratai as it turned out had equipped the turf with both human and material resources and added his own experience and knowledge to mobilize men and officers to the battle field.
    Said Buratai: “I have directed for a change from a wholly defensive posture to one where we defend in numbers and conduct offensive operations in smaller packets but simultaneously in different fronts.”

    Some other personal touches like leading the troops to war from the front, talking directly with soldiers at the war front, on the spot review of strategies and recognizing hard work have paid off.
    The result was the technical defeat of the terrorists and insurgents in a few months, the capture and takeover of the Sambisa forest, the recapture of 21 local governments hitherto under the command of the terrorists, the destruction of the weapons and arsenal of the indigents.
    In one fell swoop, Buratai provided a leadership that made it possible for Nigeria to exercise all the four indices of total control and authority on the entire landscape of Nigeria.
    Having defeated the insurgents, the next step was to sustain the feat, making it impossible for the terrorists to operate with the reckless abandon they were used to.
    This is a country that at a time ranked as the most terrorised country in Africa followed by Cameroon, Somalia, Egypt, Congo, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Sudan and Kenya.
    But from 2016 when Nigerian troops made it difficult for the terrorists to launch attacks and capture communities leading to the split in their ranks and the formation of ISWAP, Nigeria has been able to achieve a lot.
    Buratai reorganized the army and in a bid to improve overall operational responsiveness and professionalism, redeployed many field and operational commanders in order to inject new ideas in the command and control structure in various operations of the Nigerian Army.

    The Nigerian army under Buratai expanded in-theater training for troops in the frontlines to afford them the required capabilities to operate and conduct effective operations and special attention was given to providing local and foreign training opportunities for all cadre of officers and soldiers.
    Border security was tightened by troops such that recruitment of more fighters and their radicalization by the terrorists was made difficult. The Troops’ ability to respond to and mitigate terrorist attacks were enhanced as well as the capacity to investigate and prosecute terrorism.
    Nigerian troops after capturing the turfs of the terrorists in places like Baga, Bama, Damboa, Konduga and other places making them to flee into mainly Chadian territories for cover, made it difficult for them to either return or launch counter attacks.
    For a long time, the land borders was not breached as Nigeria continued to maintain a posture to defend Nigeria’s territorial rights and interests while maintaining security relations with neighboring countries like, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.

    Internal security within Nigeria was also improved which made movement of terrorists and their weapons and other supplies within Nigeria detectable.
    Apart from the physical defeat, the Nigerian army also took steps to defeat the ideas the terrorists were propagating by making it difficult for the unsuspecting to be exposed to such doctrines and philosophies.
    The Nigerian Army also identified the need to support the Federal Government’s efforts at encouraging Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes and conducted Operation Last Hold which facilitated the relocation of nearly 10,000 IDPs to their communities.
    Officers and soldiers who have innovative ideas and competencies were supported while full collaboration with the Defence Industries Coorporation (DICON) for needed parts and small arms and ammunition while engaging some foreign technical companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to help repair and refurbish some heavier and more delicate platforms.
    The welfare for troops was also given serious consideration, adequate healthcare to personnel and their families was emphasized where many soldiers and their family members benefited in medical evacuation both within and outside the Country.
    Due to insinuations of human rights abuse, Buratai also established Human Rights Desk offices in all formations for speedy attention to human rights allegations.
    General Buratai is indeed one of the finest generals in Africa in terms of counter terrorism strategies.

    Robert is a conflict resolution expert and wrote from the United Kingdom.

  • Boko Haram/ISWAP: Inter-Faith group declares hour of victory, commences prayers for Buratai, troops in battle

    The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace (NIFROP) has declared that this is the “hour of victory” for the Nigerian Army in its final clearance operation against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

    Armed with the extra motivation of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai on one side and prayers of Nigerians on the other, NIFROP urged the troops on the frontlines to step up and deliver the final punch to the insurgents.

    The inter-faith and religious group gave this charge in a statement signed by National President, Bishop Sunday Garuba, on Friday.

    According to the respected cleric, the relocation of the COAS to the Theatre of Operations is a sign of imminent triumph for the Nigerian forces just like in the biblical times where anointed leaders guided the armies of his children to war.

    NIFROP added that this isn’t a time to relent, though, calling on religious leaders and all Nigerians to join them in prayers for the troops.

    The group, however, urged those sabotaging the war against terrorism to learn from Chad and repent, take heed of the clear warning in Romans 2:5.

  • Buratai’s presence already yielding positive result against Boko Haram – CATE

    Barely one week into his stay in the northeast, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) believes the presence of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, is already rubbing off positively on troops and devastatingly on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

    CATE made this disclosure in a press statement signed by National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Wednesday, adding that there are overwhelming evidence of imminent victory over the remnant insurgents.

    Like customary, the COAS paid a visit to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno on Saturday but this time vowed to remain there until the final clearance operation is completed.

    Owing to his doggedness, resilience and patriotism, Lt. Gen Buratai has endeared himself to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, especially those on the frontlines.

    According to CATE, the COAS has provided the much-needed motivation, yielding the desired results as the troops advances further to put an end to the Boko Haram threat.

    The centre added that credible information has it that the troops are suffocating the terrorists who are now scampering to safety in neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

    While hailing the COAS for this giant stride, CATE, however, urged that this momentum be sustained until the very end.

    The group also called on critical stakeholders and the entire nation to rally round the Army in this last and critical phase.

  • Now is best time to eliminate Boko Haram remnants – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, has called on troops of Operation Lafiya Dole that now is the best time to wipe out fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

    The Army Chief, who is at the thick of things, gave this charge on Wednesday in an address to the troops on the frontlines in Ngamdu, Kaga, Borno State.

    In a bid to provide the much-needed motivation and goad, overseeing the overall operations in the theatre, Lt. Gen Buratai, last week, relocated to the northeast.

    And the COAS has vowed not leave the theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole until he gave a final blow on the insurgents.

    While acknowledging the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and sacrifices of his troops, the Army Chief, however, urged them to go for broke.

    “We must go all out to stop and eliminate these criminals. We must do it now. There is no better time than now,” the COAS said.

  • Killings: I won’t return to Abuja till Boko Haram is defeated – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai has vowed that he will not leave the theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole until he gave a final blow on the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.

    Recall that Buratai had earlier announced his relocation to the northeast following the pounding of the insurgents by the Chadian Army from the Lake Chad axis where the President Idris Deby is claiming to have held a section of Nigeria waiting to handover to Nigerian troops.

    The Chief of Army Staff who had a special Easter celebration with the troops on Monday at Ngamdu Special Super Camp regretted that the insurgency has lasted for too long but gave assurances that in no time the Boko Haram elements will be defeated.

    “We will not leave this insurgency to last like in other countries who have fought insurgency for close to 50 years. We cannot allow that to happen here”, Buratai said.

    Gen. Buratai assured the troops of the support of Mr. President who he said has provided all that they need to defeat the enemies.

    He also promised that he will not leave the camp until he gives a final blow on the insurgents.

    “You may wonder that this counter-insurgency operation has lingered for too long, we all know globally that counter terrorism is very complex. There are some countries that have fought counter terrorism for close to 50years. But we’re not going to leave it, we will not leave this camp

    “We are here, we will not leave this camp until we substantially degrade these criminals. By God’s willing, we shall be there with you no going back once we commence. We will be with you in the valleys, on the hill, in the jungle, in the river and so on. As I speak now, we have some element that are providing us necessary intelligence and once we start, no going back. We are here and we make sure that we get ourselves properly motivated, properly equipped and I assure you will have the best of time.

    “Some of you have been here before like two three times but I tell you are going to have the best of time. We want the best out of you. We need your courage and determination.

    “I want you to have at the back of your minds that Mr. President solidly behind you. We have already started getting the consignment of what we require for us to handle these insurgency and terrorism. It a matter of time and a very short time.

    “If I ask you a question, will you answer me? The question is, is anybody ready to chicken out?

    A thunderous NO erupted from the soldiers and the COAS continued.

    “We make sure that we never go back. Forward ever, backward, never. Thank you and God bless you all”.

    Highlights of the occasion was the COAS serving food to troops as soldiers dance and celebrate the Easter.

  • Buratai relocate to North-East, prepares Nigeria Army for final onslaught against Boko Haram

    Buratai relocate to North-East, prepares Nigeria Army for final onslaught against Boko Haram

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Turkur Buratai has relocated fully to the North East as the Nigerian army gets ready in final onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai will be overseeing and directing the overall operation in the theatre and other Nigerian Army operations across the country from the North East.

    A statement in the Nigerian Army’s website early Saturday said while addressing troops of Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on 9 April 2020, Buratai had said that he would be with them in the nooks and crannies of the theatre.

    The Army said the COAS had been on operational tour to troops’ locations in the North East Theatre of Operation since Saturday, 4th of April, 2020.

    During the tour, he was at the Army Super Camp 1 at Mulai and the Special Forces Super Camp 12 at Chabbol near Maiduguri on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020 where he interacted with the officers and addressed the troops respectively.

    Buratai was also at the Forward Operations Base at Alau Dam, and also personally led the troops on patrol round Mairimari and Maigilari Forests.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure Nigerians that it is highly committed to protecting all law abiding citizens and defending our territorial integrity.

    “Members of the public are requested to note that there is no any form of insecurity that cannot be surmounted, and the Boko Haram/ISWAP’s terrorism will also end in the nearest future,” the statement said.

  • Meeting TY Buratai, the workaholic Army General

    By Elvis Attah

    He is unassuming, unlike soldier. Nothing in his countenance betrays the brashness and ferocity of Army Generals. Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai belongs to what is called the “strong breed.”

    Each time he appears on TV screens during interviews which he grants frequently to elucidate on Army operations on the nation-wide counter-insurgency operations, his infectious aura will invoke passions of love on him by anyone. He is soft-speaking, usually calm and calculative, blended with his gift oratory.

    Nature has gifted Gen. Buratai so generously. He has excelled as a soldier and has the unbeatable reputation of a military master strategist and tactician. He is an exceptional soldier in the trenches much like in military diplomacy. A historian and philosopher by academic training, Gen. Buratai is a star boy of military history and deploys his intellectual arsenals to find solutions to the manifold contemporary security challenges.

    A poet by hobby, Gen. Buratai’s verses are extraordinarily pungent and a gripping commentary on societal problems. Assimilating his poems, only reminds of the lord of romantic poetry, the English-born William Wordsworth. One is often tempted to think, Gen. Buratai would have better excelled as an academic don. But in all fields, he has come full measure.

    In administration and leadership, he exudes uncommon excellence. Gen. Buratai has a knack for innovations and reforms. A workaholic to the core, Gen. Buratai marshals out his plans, set his priorities with time frames and pursues them relentlessly and tirelessly until his targets are met.

    Therefore, he had little difficulty in transforming the disorganized and disoriented Army he inherited into a professional, responsible, responsive and disciplined force. Gen. Buratai gave the Nigerian Army a new face and portrait of excellence within months of his assumption of duty as the COAS.

    As evidence of his innovative ingenuity, Gen. Buratai established two new Army Divisions within three years of his leadership. There is the 8th Army Division in Monguno, Borno state and the 6thArmy Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers state. As a leader interested in legacies, he has erected modern residential and office structures for in the new Army Divisions very fast. He knows how to pull the right strings to get what he wants for the Army.

    Also, remarkably endearing, Gen. Buratai has established a dozen Army Brigades, Battalions’ and Forward Bases in different parts of the country, especially in places with recurring issues of insecurity. And he is still expanding in this direction as Delta state has just been given an Army brigade and Battalion. The idea is to facilitate quick response of soldiers to emergencies in order to smoothen operations against armed criminals for the protection of Nigerians.

    At a glance today, one sees Nigerian soldiers actively involved overwhelmingly in counter-insurgency operations. Soldiers are quelling bile and violent insurrectional movements; extinguishing the fires of destructive militancy, quenching the madness of armed bandits and dousing the conflagrations between farmers and herders in different parts of the country.

    The reality that soldiers are deployed to at least 33 out of 36 states of the federation for these reasons is quite a bogus operational spread to manage and supervise effectively. But the indefatigable Gen. Buratai has no problems playing his supervisory roles. He is found everywhere soldiers under him have been deployed for special assignments.

    Like a nomad, Gen. Buratai is a soldier who sits nowhere, but constantly in motion, grasshopping from one state to another to oversee the work of soldiers at various stations and barracks. Gen. Buratai dreads failure and avoids it like a plaque. When he kick-starts a capital project for the Nigerian Army, he ensures it is completed as scheduled. He hates excuses adduced after failure with a passion.

    It is this spirit that has given Nigeria, the first specialized conventional Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB). The idea of NAUB started like a mustard seed, but it grew, as Gen. Buratai persistently watered it. And within two years, the university became a reality, dotted with gigantic and aesthetical edifices. Students are already observing their second academic session.

    A visionary and focused leader, Gen. Buratai is also aggressively pursuing the idea of an aviation unit for the Nigerian Army to make air combats easier for soldiers in the trenches in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations. An aviation wing for the Nigerian Army has been on the cards of previous leaders of the Nigerian Army; but it has dragged for decades without positive results. But Gen. Buratai in his characteristic manner is pushing it with an extreme force and tonic.

    Foresighted as ever, the COAS first established the Nigerian Army Aviation School, where Army pilots and technical crew members are trained. The school has produced multiple sets of graduates. And he has sent some soldiers abroad for specialized training in aviation.

    The Army Chief, a trailblazer at every turn is again set to make history as the COAS who brought to fruition the Army Aviation wing. So, the admirers of Gen. Buratai often times tease him with epaulets such as “the itinerant Army boss,” or “the mobile General.” And his actions reflect such affectionate wisecrack on his personage.

    It is hard to pin Gen. Buratai down to a spot. He is not transfixed in any location. On Tuesday this week, Gen. Buratai was in Asaba commissioning the headquarters of the 63 Brigade Complex and the official operationalization of the brigade in the state capital. And within another 24hrs, he was in Maiduguri with the troops monitoring the clearance operations of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole. Nigerians can bear testimony to Nigerian troops decisive crushing of insurgents at Damboa and the destruction of their 19 vehicles.

    And Gen. Buratai is due for Kaduna to inaugurate new projects and the circle continues. So, who is really Gen.TY Buratai? He is undeniably the restless soldier who wants his troops to win the war on insurgency. He is the Army boss who is out to bury all threats of insecurity in Nigeria. He is that General who hates to sit in one place and merely bark directives.

    Gen. TY Buratai is an amiable soldier by birth from the obscure little of Biu and an achiever by dint of hard work. He is a soldier by training; a soldier by profession; a soldier by calling and a soldier by action. That is the hidden portrait of Gen. TY Buratai, the nightmare and tormentor-in-chief of terrorists; the action-filled and result-oriented Nigeria’s COAS and ombudsman of counter-terrorism operations.

    Attah is a public affairs analyst and wrote this piece from Garki, Abuja.

  • We will crush Boko Haram in next few days – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has assured that in a matter of days, the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents troubling the North-East, will be crushed.

    Buratai said, few days ago, troops deployed in Damboa Bornu State recorded a resounding tactical victory against the insurgents, where the terrorists lost lot of men and equipment.

    The Army boss who was represented by the Chief of Policy, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun, during the Nigerian Army Special Day at the ongoing 41st Kaduna International Trade fair.

    According to him, “specifically, few days ago, our troops deployed in Damboa Bornu State recorded a resounding tactical victory against the evil forces of Boko Haram who dared 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 NE is asymmetrical and not a conventional warfare. We hereby solicit the support, prayers, patience and understanding of all Nigerians.

    He said although the primary role of the Army is to defend the territorial integrity of the nation, the army is now prepared to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

    “The Nigerian Army, apart from its primary role of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria is also involved in fighting insurgency in the North East and other internal security operations across the length and breadth of the Nation.

    “However, 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.

    “These outfits 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.

    “The overall objective is to make the NA a people’s army with versatility in fighting the enemies of Nigeria and food insecurity on the other hand.” He said.

    He commended Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) who in collaboration with Command Engineering Depot (CED) researched, developed and produced EZUGWU, the first indigenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle using 70 per cent local content. He stressed that the strategic alliance between DICON and CED has led to the Jos production of patrol vehicles, bullet proof vests, bailistic helmets, mines 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 the Nigeria include NA Post Service Housing Scheme. NA Proper Ltd and Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches.” He said.

  • Boko Haram, ISWAP no more working together – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has said that the Nigerian Military has succeeded in breaking the union between the two foremost terror groups operating in the country, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).

    He charged the troops to maintain the tempo, adding that with the crack in the “unholy union” between the two groups, their days of bloodletting are numbered.

    According to the COAS, who spoke while declaring open the 2nd Edition of Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Career Planning and Management Seminar in Abuja, the military is making giant strides in ending the insurgency.

    He said, “I am glad to note that we are making giant strides against Islamic State in West Africa Province ISWAP, in our bid to unhinge the unholy union between them and the remnant of Boko Haram terrorist.

    “We are certainly on cause and focused. It is therefore imperative that we maintain the momentum while motivating our officers and men through our efficient and balance career planning process. Again let me draw your attention to my strategic goal for the year 2020 which is to sustain professionalism of the Army and responsiveness in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    “To this end, all activities and operational directive must align with this goal. I am charging the formation commanders to push the boundary of success by ensuring that our effort in Operation Lafiya Dole and other operations are sustained and consolidated. Similarly, our striving in research and development in collaboration with Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria DICON, must be sustained to maintain the existing equipment and continually strive to produce military hardware and platforms.”

    He continued that as part of effort to consolidate the gains already recorded in the counter terrorism operations in North East, the Nigerian Army will not tolerate laissez-faire attitude from Commanders and troops involved in the terror war.

    Buratai also tasked officers and soldiers in theatre of operation to be law abiding and maintain the highest professional standard in all operation and routine activities within and outside Nigerian Army.

    He said that the seminar was designed to avail Army Officers with contemporary approaches to military human resource management, noting that the seminar will expose participants to human resource management “in a world that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous”.

    He further directed all the Commanders to develop the capacity of their officers and soldiers in critical thinking “aimed at ensuring that personnel under their command are upwardly mobile in their ability to understand context and easily proffer credible and workable solutions to problems”.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, the Army Secretary, Major General Gabriel Ochigbano, said that the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary has consistently been entrusted with the responsibility of planning the careers of Nigerian Army officers.

    He noted that the Department among others criteria, relies critically on annual reports written on officers and courses reports as well as other occurrences along the career path of each officer to effectively achieve the aforesaid objective.