Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said that this year’s Combat Support Arms Training week (COSAT); is to rout out remnants of Boko Haram insurgents and criminals from the nation. Buratai made the declaration on Tuesday, while addressing participants of COSAT training at Command Quest House, Maiduguri. He said activities of armed militia have become prominent in the areas of kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes and cattle rustling. His words: “This year’s training week is coming at a time when the nation with the military is at the threshold of completely routing out remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists from our territory. “The training will also enable our troops fight and eliminate other criminals in various parts of the country.” Buratai, who was represented by Commander of Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen Abubakar Salihu said the training was to “brain storm and strategise on combating contemporary security challenges.” He noted that previous combat support arms training had been instrumental in major policies of the Nigerian Army. He said the training, which has the theme: “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Cooperation in Contemporary Security Challenges,” was to enhance professionalism through equipment maintenance and training exercises for improved responsive constitutional roles. Speaking on other operations, he said: “Significant progress has been made and success recorded; in the ongoing operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Last Hold in the Northeast. He said the troops were able to carry out synchronized engagements in the two military operations. According to him, the military operations have denied Boko Haram terrorists and other criminals the freedom of action. He therefore; called for more efforts and synergy to achieve an enduring lasting peace that could enhance socioeconomic developments. He noted that even though the insurgents have been technically defeated, there is still more to be done. “As Combat Support Arms, you have a major role to play in the final defeat of the terrorists,” he charged the participants. While declaring the training week open, Governor Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Deputy, Usman Durkwa said the training of troops will provide the platform overcome security challenges. “Our nation is faced with various security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes, Boko Haram insurgency, and armed robbery among others,” he said
