The Nigerian Army (NA) and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to enhance their collaboration in personnel training and equipment acquisition. This decision was made during a meeting held on Wednesday, 23 August 2023, between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the UK Minister of State for Armed Forces and Veterans, Mr James Heappey, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS emphasized that this collaboration would provide the Nigerian Army with the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the British Army in various areas, including counter-terrorism, peace support, logistics, and intelligence.
The partnership aims to improve the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army through the acquisition of high-quality equipment and technology.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja expressed his appreciation for the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the British Government. He specifically highlighted their collaboration in training personnel in British institutions and the support received in the fight against insurgency and other forms of insecurity.
The COAS pledged that the Nigerian Army would sustain this partnership, with a particular focus on training. He also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the British Army to promote the interests of Nigeria and Britain across West Africa.
The UK Minister of State for Armed Forces and Veterans commended the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the British Government. He emphasized that this collaboration would enable the Nigerian Army to acquire new skills, knowledge, and technology from their British counterparts, ultimately leading to a more proficient and well-prepared force.
Rivers State
Furthermore, the COAS directed commanders at all levels to focus on rejuvenating the fighting spirit of the troops. This directive was given in Port Harcourt during the opening of the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation seminar on Intensifying Warrior Ethos and Regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander Joint Task Force (South South) Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the COAS emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to reviewing tactics, techniques, and procedures to develop implementable strategies for defeating all adversaries.
He urged commanders to use innovative thinking to rekindle the warrior spirit, based on his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force, fulfilling its constitutional responsibility within a joint environment.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja praised the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for organizing the seminar and expressed hope that it would complement other efforts aimed at rejuvenating the fundamental principles of soldiering, including adherence to traditions, customs, and ethics.
REDIRECT ALL EFFORTS TOWARDS REJUVENATING TROOPS FIGHTING SPIRIT – COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has directed commanders at all levels to redirect efforts at rejuvenation of troops fighting spirit. The COAS gave this directive in Port… pic.twitter.com/oavFVA95Md
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) August 23, 2023
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