Training, best welfare for soldiers – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says training remains the best welfare that can be given to any soldier in ensuring results in areas of operations.

Lagbaja said this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of 585 Special Forces of Exercise Restore Hope VII, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp in Kachia, Kaduna State.

It was reported that the special forces comprised of 571 soldiers and 14 officers.

Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, said that was why it was encapsulated in his command philosophy as a major area that must continue to be improved upon.

He described the demonstration of weapon handling, targets, team work and combat readiness of the soldiers as commendable.

Lagbaja said it was targeted at operational efforts put in place from the soldiers’ commencement of training in the depot.

“After coming out recently, we were able to bring them here and mould them properly again.

“The obstacles we observed in the field are skillfully addressed and maneuvered here by our gallant soldiers,” he said.

The Army chief, therefore, said, “As the soldiers move out to the field, they become better trained and equipped.

“This will translate to better performance of the troops across all theaters of operations in the country.”

Issuing warning to adversaries, Lagbaja emphasised that the troops’ morale was very high, adding,” they will sustain the tempo of successes across all theaters of operations in the country.

“The Nigerian Army is happy with the support it is getting from the Federal Government and particularly Nigerians.

“They are now embracing the ‘whole-society approach’ in handling insurgency as it will continue to yield better results.”