We Need Expertise of our Retired Soldiers in Fight Against Insurgency – COAS

Chief of army staff, Faruk Yahaya has urged retired soldiers to assist with their expertise in the fight against insecurity.

Yahaya who was represented by Boniface Sinjen, director of army’s personnel services, made this call  While speaking at the opening of the 2021 second quarter of the veterans’ affairs seminar/workshop in Plateau state, on Tuesday,

He said the workshop, with the theme: ‘The Role of Nigerian Army Veterans in Nigeria’s National Security Architecture’, will give the army the opportunity to gain from the experience of retired military officers.

He said “The importance of this seminar/workshop cannot be overemphasised, bearing in mind the special roles our retired/discharged colleagues play in the society, especially at a time like this when our nation is faced with diverse but surmountable security challenges,”

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“These challenges include activities of the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), farmers/herdsmen clashes, banditry and kidnapping.

“I am particularly impressed with the selection of the theme for this workshop, which will provide a forum for us to tap into the wealth of experience of our veterans in tackling the issue of insecurity in Nigeria.

“This workshop is also aimed at broadening the knowledge of our veterans on their important roles in Nigerian national security. This is in line with my desire to uplift the standard of both serving and retired/discharged personnel, while diligently performing our constitutional role of securing the nation.

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“This combined effort of all persons, especially those of us in uniform, both serving and retired, in securing our nation is further encapsulated in my vision for the Nigerian Army, which is to have a ‘professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria’.

“So, I enjoin you all to use this unique opportunity provided by this seminar to dig into your kitbags, bring out those special expertise and experience acquired over the years, have engaging interactions with your colleagues and let us see how we can jointly defend Nigeria, our beloved country.”