Tinubu’s support pivotal to Nigerian Army’s successes – COAS
By Mohammed Tijjani
The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the operational and administrative needs of the Nigerian Army has been pivotal to the successes being achieved by the service nationwide.
Oluyede stated this at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow XI Firepower Demonstration’, held on Thursday at the Nigerian Army Military Training Range Kachia, Kaduna State.
The COAS was represented by Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training, Army.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to strengthen its capacity to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) report that this year’s exercise was themed, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment’.
Oluyede expressed delight in witnessing the exercise which was aimed at enhancing the professional skills, knowledge, and expertise of troops in artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures.
He emphasised the importance of adequate training and equipment maintenance for enhanced operational effectiveness, and commended the Artillery Corps for harnessing indigenous solutions for gun repairs, and research and development initiatives.
The COAS praised the integration of emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, making immense sacrifices to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved nation.
Oluyede added, “However, the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s threat landscape demand a holistic approach to the conduct of our operations.
“We must keep our minds open to learning, not only from exercises such as Exercise Vulcan Glow, but also from practical experiences in the field.
“You must remain resolute and focused in all Nigerian Army operational engagements.”
The COAS appreciated Tinubu for his steadfast support and also the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as retired senior gunners.
Oluyede urged the Artillery Corps to remain dedicated to enhancing operational effectiveness and to keep “the shells flying.”
Earlier the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, said the field training exercise aimed to test artillery personnel on planning, preparation, employment and deployment of artillery resources in warfare scenarios.
He said the exercise included a study period component, operations orders and briefs, and firepower demonstrations to showcase the Corps’ capabilities.
The commander added that the exercise was conducted in line with Army Headquarters’ training directives, and had introduced several innovations, including mental health awareness and a novelty volleyball match.
He said this year’s ‘Exercise Vulcan Glow’ was merged with ‘Exercise Mun Gama’, to show the significant progress made under his command, including infrastructural development, establishment of new departments, and renovation of facilities.
Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, other dignitaries, and stakeholders for their support and guidance.
The Commandant reassured the Chief of Army Staff that the Artillery corps would continue to sustain efforts in providing effective fire support to Nigerian Army operations.
