Buratai: Army will continue to protect Nigeria’s Territorial Integrity

Christopher Isiguzo and Gideon Arinze in Enugu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Tukur Buratai, has charged officers of the Nigerian Army to be disciplined in order to carry out their responsibility effectively.

He gave the charge yesterday during the Regimental Sergeant Major convention held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army 82 Division in Enugu.

The COAS who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army headquarters in Enugu, Major General Idris Alkali, said officers of the Nigerian army have the professional duty to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

According to him, Regimental Sergeants are the hope of the Nigerian army which is why they need to be highly discipline without which success in the military cannot be achieved.

 “The significance of this year’s convention with the theme: ‘Strengthening the framework for Discipline and Regimentation for professional Responsiveness in the Nigerian Army’, cannot be overstated as the army is continuously engaged in a vast array of operations ranging from peace keeping to internal security,” the army boss said.

He advised the officers to continue to re- emphasis on the core values of Nigerian army which include integrity, discipline courage, respect for others and selfless service.

Also speaking during the convention, The Gen Officer Commanding 82 Division, Gen. AB Abubakar, said the convention is designed to enhance the capacity of RSMs at all levels to perform their roles professionally.  According to him, RSM is the most effective link between officers and soldiers as well as custodians of unit regimentation.  Speaking further, he said personnel of the Nigerian army would be unable to key into the vision of the COAS of having a professionally responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

 Abubakar charged the officers not to see the convention as a mere meeting and reunion, adding that they must endeavour to impart the younger ones in their respective formations and units with the experience, ethics, customs and traditions of the Nigerian army.