By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, said it has defeated the Boko Haram insurgents, especially, considering that there were no more camps of the terrorist group anywhere in the North-Eastern part of the country.
Army Spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said this while addressing newsmen at the inauguration of Strategic Communication Course for senior officers at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, Bonny Camp, Lagos.
“The situation in the North-East has tremendously improved. The military operations or the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East is hinged on three things. First, defeating the Boko Haram terrorists which have been accomplished and making room to facilitate humanitarian assistance, which is also ongoing; then, restoration of law and order for good governance to take place,” Usman said.
He said roads that were, hitherto, closed are now open, to the extent that, “we have trans-border trade. Just recently, the important road that links Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon was re-opened. We have come to the point that we can beat our chest and decisively say we have dealt with Boko Haram.’’
On the inauguration of the communication course, Usman said training of personnel was paramount, adding that it would enhance their proficiency in handling image making issues for the Nigerian Army.
He said it was because of the need to enhance proficiency that the Directorate of Army Public Relations places high premium on training of officers and soldiers, adding that, “the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information must remain focused in the training of officers and soldiers to meet the need of well-trained and skilled manpower.
“This is the first of its kind to further enhance joint operations of the armed forces and, possibly, international military engagement.
“It is my hope that this course will make the desired impact on all of you and boost explicit growth fertilisation of ideas among the participants.
“It is also our desire to see that, at the end of the course, we turn out better informed senior officers.
“Also, they should be well-equipped to partake in taking strategic decisions for the Nigerian army information and dissemination management.”
The NASPRI commandant, Col. John Agim, said the course was to better equip senior officers who were saddled with the responsibility of shaping the information environment.
“As you settle down to face the rigours of this course, I urge you to take advantage of this training to enhance your capacity in public relations.
“Also, enhance your capacity in information management and, by extension, in the profession of arms,’’ he said.
Agim said the course, which would run for three months, would be on media planning and crisis management, media matters and interview skills and digital media influence among others.