The Chief of Army Staff,? Lt.-Gen. Azubuike? Ihejirika, on Sunday urged the Army trainees? that their conduct during internal security operations was important and as such they should adhere strictly to their professional rules of engagement? in a bid to tackle the challenges.
The military has been under a heat of criticism over alleged extra-judicial killing by the Joint Task Force (JTF) .
Ihejirika made the statement during the graduation ceremony of the 8th Basic Counter Terrorism Training conducted by the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, for junior officers.
He said the training would enhance the capacity of the personnel to? discharge their professional duties.
He explained that the training was organised for junior officers because of the deficiency in professional conduct bordering on indiscipline, negligence in performance of duties and illegal duties.
“It is also to bridge the gap and appreciate the importance of intelligence as key driver in irregular operations,’’ he said.
Ihejirika also said that a special package on intelligence had been included and conducted by counter terrorism experts, from the Directorate of Military Intelligence and Department of State Security.
“The training you have received within the past five weeks of rigorous activities has moulded you sufficiently with the requisite professional competence to tackle the challenges you are likely to meet in the field,“ he said.
“The Nigerian Army thrives on discipline without which your career will be short lived. Discipline is the hallmark of your profession and must be your watchword if you desire to rise to the peak of your career,“ he said.
He said the Nigerian Army had established functional operational bases across the country and mobilised outposts for immediate operational engagement as well as the establishment of dog centres to complement human efforts in identifying contrabands.
Ihejirika, represented by the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Amnon Kwaskebe, said the measures were designed to raise the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army in addressing contemporary challenges in the country.???
The Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Maj.-Gen. Sylvester Audu, commended the Chief of Army Staff for the quick release of funds for the centre, promotion of staff and offering foreign training slots for the personnel.
He called for adequate accommodation for staff and students, an auditorium, sports complex, e-library, standard hospital and specialist equipment and infrastructure in the centre.
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