The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, has said the Army, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s instruction, is spreading its might in order to have a strong hold in all parts of the country and enable it deal with rising security challenges in the country.
The COAS, who spoke at the groundbreaking of the Nigerian Army Barracks, Camp Buratai at Elebele in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said this was in synergy with other security agencies.
Buratai explained that following the various challenges facing the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, wanted a balanced and widespread footprints of the Nigerian Army to confront the security threats in the country.
He said the 6th Division and 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State were part of the expansionist project.
He said the 16th Brigade in Yenagoa, was also made operational on February 28, 2018 adding that he was in Katsina 10 days ago to operationalise the 17th Brigade under the new 8th Division with headquarters of Operation Lafia Dole in Monguno.
The COAS said the headquarters in Monguno would be relocated to Sokoto as soon as the menace of insurgency had been fully contained.
Buratai said: “The establishment of 6th Brigade in Port Harcourt, 6th Division in Port Harcourt and the 16th Brigade in Yenagoa forms an important part of Mr. President’s desire to have a balanced and widespread footprints of the Nigerian Army to deal with the myriads of security challenges facing the country in conjunction with other security agencies.
“As you may be aware, I was in Katsina about 10 days ago to operationalise the 17th Brigade under the new 8 Division whose headquarters is currently in Operation Lafia Dole, the theatre of operation specifically in Monguno but will soon relocate to Sokoto after the menace of the insurgency has been fully contained
He said: “The Army has acquired the property and today Dickson has kept his promise. From what we have observed, of the preparation of this new site, so much efforts and resources have been efficiently deployed. Today’s ceremony is a testimony that with determination and sincerity of officers and soldiers, we can build institutions and regenerate society.
“The brigade has demonstrated and achieved so much in infrastructural development and enhancement of troops’ wellbeing within one year of its establishment as well as meeting its trainings, operational and regimental responsibility.
“I commend the commander, officers and men of the 16th Brigade for their innovation, determination and professionalism as well as the clear interpretation of my vision for the Nigerian Army which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”
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