DEFENCE
Army Inducts Newly Acquired Mine Resistant Anti-ambush Protected Vehicles

By Gom Mirian, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has inducted and operationalized four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) in the North East theatre of operation to enhance fire power and protection of troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists.
Recall that the Nigerian Army in partnership with Proforce Nigeria Limited, an indigenous Armour Vehicle Manufacturing Company based in Ode-Remo in Ogun State had delivered the first ever Nigerian Army – Proforce locally manufactured MRAPs, four of which were inaugurated on August 1, 2019 by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army) Maj Gen EO Udoh said the induction of the MRAPs would boost the operational capability and protection of the troops to decisively prosecute the ongoing counter insurgency operations.
He reminded the troops that equipment alone without strong will and determination by men cannot win wars, he therefore charged them to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties and strengthen their commitment to end the war against terrorism soon
While appreciating the efforts of the Special Forces in the fight against terrorism, especially the recapture of Baga by the Special Forces, he assured them of Nigerian Army’s continued support to specialised training as well as improved welfare to enhance the effectiveness of the Special Forces.
Earlier, the Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Mhounday Gadzama Ali, said the provision of the MRAPs and other equipment by the COAS will spur the Command in their dogged struggles to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists soon.
A statement by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said, “As part of the concern the leadership of the Army has for the troops, the representative of the COAS delivered the COAS goodwill message and had lunch with the troops after inspecting an ongoing renovation work in the camp.”
DEFENCE
Army to Review Troops’ Conduct During Elections, other Operations

The Nigerian Army is set to review the conduct of troops in Operation Safe Conduct during the just concluded 2023 general elections across the country.
The review is expected to take place during the forthcoming Chief of Army Staff First Quarter 2023 Conference.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.
-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.Nwachukwu said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, would interact with the General Officers Commanding (GOC), field commanders and other senior officers.
He said that the interaction would help to provide possible guidance towards enhancing army operations and other activities.
He said the conference, which would hold from April 3 to April 6 would offer an avenue for reappraisal of the administrative affairs of the Nigerian army.
He added that it would also help in evaluation and comprehensive review of ongoing operational engagements within the first quarter.
According to him, this will provide the army an in-depth insight to enable far reaching decisions towards achieving its set objective of addressing the multifaceted security challenges confronting the country.
Nwachukwu said that the COAS would present a new Toyota Hilux vehicles each to 14 Army Warrant Officers who had attained the peak of their soldiering career.
“Similarly, the COAS will commission the newly constructed Faruk Yahaya Historical Park located at Asokoro Abuja.
“The conference will also showcase some research and development effort of the Nigerian Army in an exhibition.
“The three days conference promises to be very eventful, as it will witness a review of the conduct of troops during the recently concluded Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2023 and other operations across the country,” he said.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the commitment and resolve of the Nigerian army to discharging its constitutional mandate professionally.
“We will also be resolute in upholding our values of courage, selfless sacrifice, respect, discipline and unalloyed loyalty to constituted authority,” he added. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Buhari Pleased with Troops` Performance in North East – Gen. Irabor

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, says that President Muhammadu Buhari is happy with the troops performance in the fight against insurgents in the North East.
Irabor stated this on Thursday in Maiduguri while addressing troops at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai.
“The Commander in Chief is happy with you and has asked me to relay to you to keep up the standard and momentum that you are displaying in the north east operation,” Irabor said.
The CDS also lauded the successes being recorded by the troops, adding that it was based on their sense of patriotism and resilience.
He said that the troops` performance showed the true manifestation of the training provided to them.
Irabor said that commanders in the theatre were putting final touches for more onslaughts on remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“You must ensure that the criminals wherever they are hiding you smoke them out
“I know that you will do that, very soon we will be back to celebrate together,” Irabor said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CDS also held a meeting with the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, GOC 7 Division, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu and other operational commanders.
He also interacted with wounded soldiers at the military hospital in Maimalari Cantonment. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Former CGS, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya dies at 79

Former Chief of General Staff under Gen. Sani Abacha’s government, retired Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya(GCON), is dead.
The former military governor of Ogun died at the age of 79.
His death was announced on Sunday in a statement by his son, Oyesinmilola Diya.
It read, “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother, Lt- Gen.
Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd).“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of March 26, 2023.
Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period.Further announcements will be made public in due course,” he said.
(NAN)