By Amos Aar
THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has said that the defeat of insurgency, banditry and other acts of criminality remain his top priority and the desired victory is achievable through the use of Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED).
Gen. Yahaya stated this at a workshop on Future Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Challenges, Enemy Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and Threat Mitigation on Tuesday in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
The COAS who was represented by the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, promised that the Nigerian Army would continue to sustain its stride of supporting local production of her defence needs to augment her procurement.
“It is with this commitment in mind that the procurement of equipment and realistic training of personnel are embarked upon.
“The research and development drive for indigenous production of some of our requirements is ongoing.
“The local production of the Ode rechargeable blasting device and the remote-control jammers are commendable but more can be done,” Yahaya said.
He further disclosed that the sustenance of the drive would depend on understanding the future IED challenges, how the enemy operates and knowing how to mitigate the IED threats.
“I am therefore glad that the objectives of this workshop are in line with my desire to defeat insurgency by ensuring that our troops have freedom of action through effective Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) operations.
“Effective CIED operations has contributed in no small measure towards the recent successes recorded against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups as well as various unscrupulous elements across the nation.
“It is also heart-warming to note that in line with my vision to promote jointness in operations, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute successfully in several joint operations across the country,” he added.
Earlier, the Commander Corps of Engineers, Maj Gen. P.E Eromosele, said that the use of IEDs by insurgents as force multipliers had become a trend which had unpleasant effects on the outcomes of Nigerian Army operations and morale of troops.
“The Nigerian Army is however without doubt determined to achieve victory in the ongoing operations despite the threat posed by the use of these IEDs.
“This determination is manifest in the numerous provision of CIED related equipment, the establishment of the CIED Centre of Excellence, the establishment of CIED squadrons in all engineer brigades and trainings on CIED in liaison with foreign partners amongst others,” Eromosele stated
He said that the Nigerian Army of Engineers had the responsibility of ensuring that the IEDs were ineffective against own troops and operations through sound training, proper planning and use of correct equipment.
