The Federal Government has yesterday unfolded plans for a reinvigorated anti-terror war next year to get rid of insurgents, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, who acknowledged the need to regig the battle, charged officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to brace for more challenges next year.
Gen. Irabor said although the outgoing year was challenging, 2022 will be more challenging in all aspects of national security.
He urged the military to rekindle commitment, efficiency and effectiveness in a bid restore security and peace.
The CDS, who spoke at the decoration of newly promoted Air Force and Naval officers, said: “You need to escalate your level of commitment, your level of efficiency and effectiveness because if 2021 is challenging, I like to assure you that 2022 will be more challenging and that is the reason I like to call on you to please brace up because you must at all cost take away every form of insecurity in our land.
“Looking at your pedigree, and the report that was received during the Council meeting, I know you will live up to this challenge.
“I have no doubt in my mind that all of you that have been decorated up to the two star rank, you have all that it takes to deliver on the goals that have been demanded of you.
“Let me equally add that the Commander-in-Chief in the light of the various support he has given to us and the assurances he has given to us, more importantly issues that pertain to our welfare and the administration of men and women of the Armed Forces, much is required of us. I like to urge you to please, ensure that our loyalty to Mr. President and the Constitution of the Federal Republic remain rock solid, let it not be that for whatever reason that our loyalty should not be doubted. It has never been in doubt and I know, it shall not be in doubt”.
Gen. Irabor added: “No one needs any clarification or awareness as to the challenges that we face in our country and we not only all need to shy away from the fact that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has done very well within the limits of the resources that are available to deal with the issues that demand the attention of the Armed Forces.
“I believe that you all know that the nation is happy with the efforts of the Armed Forces because of the enormous contributions you have made to ensure that there is peace and security in our land. Today, I make bold to say, especially for the Northeast and most parts of our country, this is the quietest December we have had in the last couple of years, and all thanks to you men and women of the Armed Forces and of course our supporting agencies for this worthy contribution that you have made.
“I like to also inform you that the Commander-in- Chief is happy with you and he demands more from you as we enter the new year”.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, explained that in the military, “promotion process is usually a painstaking exercise that entails the selection of the ‘best out of the best’ for elevation”, adding that, “promotion is not just given to personnel for doing their jobs very well, but also for demonstrating potentials to do more, especially at higher levels”.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, noted that quality leadership in the Armed Forces is essential for the optimal realisation of its objectives.
He said: “In the profession of arms, the optimal employment of men and material has direct impact on operational outcome in the theatre and national security, as a whole. Hence, despite the huge number of annual enlistments into the military, only the most dedicated and loyal rise to the very apex of the profession.”
