VIVIAN ONYEBUKWA
Many personnel of the Nigerian Army attached to the Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NAEME) are being killed in the fight against insurgents in the North East, a top commander of the force has revealed.
The Commander of NAEME, Major General J.B Olawunmi, who made this known lamented that some of officers and men of the corps have paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, especially in the counter-terrorism counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
While praying the Almighty God to grant the souls of the slain soldiers eternal rest and quicken the healing of the unit’s injured officers, General Olawunmi said that the corps training activities for the year 2018 were successfully conducted with the attendant improvement in the performance of our personnel.
He said that officers and soldiers of the corps who contributed to the successes recorded in 2018 were being rewarded with promotion and various awards.
The commander spoke at the 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the for corps, noting that “I must not fail to acknowledge the fact that nothing would have been achieved without the support of the COAS who graciously provided all the resources needed to perform effectively. He graciously approved the establishment, renovation of our NAEME Barracks at Auchi, Edo State, amongst others too numerous to mention here.”
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai had earlier at an event, called on troops of the Nigerian Army to exhibit absolute loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari especially as the elections draw near.
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General Buratai warned that Nigerian Army personnel must do everything within their powers to ensure the success of February 2019 elections and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
Buratai said: “The coming weeks and months in the transition process will surely demand absolute loyalty, commitment to duty, vigilance and steadfastness on our part. For this reason, all hands must be on deck to ensure the success of elections for the sustainment of democracy in Nigeria.
“Let me reiterate the resolve of the Nigerian Army to uphold professionalism, excellent civil-military relationship and adherence to rule of law in the course of our engagements.”
He said that the Nigerian Army had made tremendous achievement in its operations around the six geopolitical zones, adding that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide aid to civil authority to enhance a stable environment which is necessary for good governance to thrive.
The Army Chief said the force had resolved to address infrastructure decay across Nigerian Army formations, schools, and barracks, pointing out that the provision of adequate and befitting accommodation was aimed at improving personnel welfare.