Army restates commitment to manpower development

The Nigerian Army on Monday restated its commitment to training and re-training of its manpower to equip them for the task of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Brig.-Gen. Bolaji Salami, made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 2017 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition in Benin.

Salami said that training was part of the vision of the chief of army staff to reform the army, urging officers to take advantage of the training to boost their careers.

The commandant, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony, told the officers to always think outside the box, especially in modern techniques of security enforcement.

“I appeal to you to take security seriously and also apply the experience that you will garner at this year’s edition of the combat proficiency competition.

“I want to urge you all to be competitive because this is part of the effort of the chief of staff to reform the army. Take this experience seriously as it will be reflected in your career,’’ Salami said.

The Commandant of the 4th Brigade, Benin, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Garba, said the training was specifically meant to prepare junior officers for higher responsibilities.

Garba said the competition, which was designed to improve the leadership qualities of the officers, would place them in a better stead to perform their constitutional roles.

The commandant named some events in the competition to include map reading, combat swimming, physical fitness, obstacles crossing, arm shooting skills and communication skills.

The four-day event involved participants from 4 Brigade, Benin; 22 Brigade, Ilorin; 32 Brigade, Akure; 42 Engineering Brigade, Ibadan, among others.