Military
Army moves to boost intelligence gathering via indigenous language
Army moves to boost intelligence gathering via indigenous language
In a bid to boost operational efficiency through intelligence gathering, the Nigerian Army has continued to train its personnel on indigenous language proficiency.
The reports gathered that a total of 124 personnel comprising 39 officers and 85 soldiers, graduated from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) 9th Indigenous Languages Proficiency Course 9/2022 on Friday in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Usman Muhammed said the nature of the current security environment was characterised by a plethora of challenges requiring military attention.
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Yahaya said that all army operations were intelligence-driven, adding that their ability to surmount the security challenge would largely be dependent on intelligence gathering.
He said effective intelligence gathering could be facilitated by an understanding of the local languages of the personnel involved in the operations.
The COAS expressed optimism that the course would be of immense benefit to the participants and the Nigerian army considering the changing nature of the nation’s domestic security environment.
According to him, there is no gainsaying that the nation’s security environment is undermined by the current threats, which include among others things, terrorism banditry and other challenges in virtually all parts of the country.
He said the army would continue to redouble its efforts with a view to stemming the menace of insecurity and guaranteeing peaceful co-existence in all parts of the nation.
According to him, the current domestic security reality has necessitated the deployment of the Nigerian army troops to the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Suffice to say that all these operations are intelligence-driven.
“Therefore, our ability to adequately and professionally respond to these domestic security challenges will depend essentially on credible and reliable intelligence, which is dependent on the ability to communicate with the local population.
“The populace is being encouraged with the slogan, ‘see something, say something which depends on the ability of personnel to communicate with people within the operational area.
“Effective communication in part will essentially require some level of proficiency in the local dialect of the operating environment.
“This informs why you have learnt the three major Nigerian languages of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
“Proficiency in these local languages will, therefore, hasten your speedy integration and ability to penetrate local operating environments,” he said.
Yahaya urged the graduating officers to continue to use every available opportunity to improve their current proficiency level to be able to engage in sustained conversations within their places of employment.
The Director-General of NARC retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab said the course was designed to bridge the communication barriers between army personnel and the local populace in the conduct of internal security operations.
Wahab said that officers and soldiers were currently being deployed to different parts of the country, adding that there was the belief that there was a problem with intelligence gathering.
He said that security was a two-way thing which involved “securing you through you” and the need to trust those who are providing the security for them.
According to him, if you cannot talk to people, if you cannot relate with them in the language they understand, they won’t trust you.
“The belief is that speaking somebody’s language is going to inspire trust immediately, because of the belief that this is my person.
“And that’s the reason why the army challenged the centre to run this programme,” he said.
Wahab said the feedback from the previous courses had been encouraging, adding that plans were on the ground to open up the course to the general public.
The Training Officer, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Nuhu, who represented the General Officer Commanding (GOC), said the language course would help the army to address security challenges.
He urged personnel who would pass through the resource centre to continue to practice their proficiency in the languages they had been trained in to enable them to be perfect.
The Course Senior, Col. Muhammed Ahmad thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to learn and understand other languages to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Ahmad, who spoke on behalf of other participants pledged to justify the training by deploying the knowledge acquired in their various areas of responsibility.
Military
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
By: Olusola Akinboyewa
As part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) establishments in Lagos, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on 13 December 2024, visited Caverton Helicopters Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to evaluate progress on the ongoing 2,500-hour and 5-year major inspections of NAF Bell-412 helicopters (NAF 599 and NAF 600). The visit highlighted the critical role of indigenous expertise in advancing NAF’s operational capabilities and fostering sustainable aviation solutions.
Air Marshal Abubakar commended Caverton’s technical expertise and cutting-edge facilities, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work being done. He noted that NAF 600 was near operational readiness, while NAF 599 was 70% complete.
The CAS emphasized the importance of leveraging local partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign services, enhance NAF’s fleet maintenance, and build national capacity for aircrew training and technical development. He described the collaboration with Caverton as a model for sustainable solutions that align with the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence.
The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, assured the CAS of the company’s readiness to continue delivering top-notch services to support NAF operations. He highlighted the facility’s achievements in overhauling critical helicopter components and noted the value of the NAF partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. The visit underscored the strategic importance of indigenous collaborations in bolstering national security and advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
Military
COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS
COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS
By: Our Reporter
The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Major General Philips Eromosele, has today 12 December 2024, paid a working visit to Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State. The visit was his maiden visit to the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
The CCE paid an office call to the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, after which he proceeded to the 46 Engineer Brigade Counter Improvise Explosive Device Squadron, where he thereafter commissioned some projects. The projects commissioned include a Training Area and Laboratory, 26 Support Engineer Regiment Training sheds, and a block of 10 flats of one-bedroom apartments for Coporal and Below constructed by Headquarters 6 Division.
While addressing the troops of the 46 Engineer Brigade, the CCE charged them to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army and, most importantly, role models to their subordinates. He also urged them to be patient with the system and eschew all manner of illegalities, as plans are on the ground for a better future in the NA.
In his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of, the 26 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Usama Yakubu said he was spurred to construct the training shed in his unit to ensure rigorous training of his personnel to prepare them for both current and future challenges. This, he said, is under the CCE’s directive and mission statement, “To develop the capacity of the Nigerian Army Engineer for robust support to the NA in accomplishing assigned missions”. “Another purpose for the ultra-modern 150-capacity training shed with an office space for instructors and convenience for both male and female students respectively, beautiful furniture, and a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning was to equip both young officers and soldiers with basic knowledge and skills required before they proceed for local courses that will prepare them in carrying out both engineer and infantry roles in the field”, he added.
The highlights of the visit were the commissioning of multiple projects, a short presentation of Improvised Explosive Device Management by the Commander, 46 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Ekeoma Odoemele, an address to troops, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS
Military
RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY
RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reassured retiring military personnel that leaving active service marks the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter in their lives, not an end. Speaking today, 12 December 2024, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Passing Out Ceremony of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Participants Course 02/2024 in Oshodi, Lagos, the CAS lauded the graduands for their unshakable commitment and discipline throughout their military careers.
In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the Commandant, graduating participants, and the entire NAFRC community on achieving a significant milestone. He highlighted the importance of the six-month training programme, which equipped personnel transitioning to civilian life with skills pertinent to entrepreneurship, management, and national development.
Reflecting on a popular military saying, “Soja come, Soja go, barracks remain,” the CAS emphasised that while individuals leave the Service, their values and contributions continue to shape the Armed Forces and the nation. He urged the graduands to carry forward the discipline, courage, and commitment they exhibited in uniform, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities.
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that retirement should not be seen as a death sentence but rather as a new beginning. “Do not entertain fears about your future,” he advised. “With the training, discipline, and skills you have acquired, as well as God’s guidance, you will enjoy a prosperous future with good health and sound mind.”
Paying tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the CAS also commended the families of the retirees for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He assured the audience of the Armed Forces’ commitment to the welfare of its personnel, both serving and retired, and expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to capacity development within the military.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, thanked the special the Special Guest of Honour for honoring the invitation and gracing the occasion. He also extended a warm welcome to all distinguished personalities, commandants, commanders, special guests, and well-wishers in attendance. “Your presence here today is a clear manifestation of how dearly you hold this great institution,” he remarked, acknowledging support and commitment to the success of NAFRC and its graduating participants.
The event also featured an exhibition of various products and services created by the graduating class, as well as the commissioning of a 54-unit ensuite hostel block donated by the NAF to NAFRC. Dignitaries in attendance included the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) and the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), amongst many other distinguished personalities.
RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY
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