2016 first quarter army conference: Self-audit for better performance

On April 6, 2016, the Nigerian Army held the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) first quarter conference in Abuja. MUSA UMAR BOLOGI writes on the significance of the event and the message of the COAS to the participants.

On Wednesday last week, senior officers of the Nigerian Army gathered at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess for this year Chief of Army Staff (COAS) first quarter conference.
The event was aimed at taking stock of the Nigerian Army’s activities within the first three months of the year, discuss general administration of troops and review the various Nigerian Army operations across the country and peacekeeping operations abroad, as well as project strategies for the next quarter.

The Conference also affords the COAS and the Principal Staff Officers of the Army the opportunity to have firsthand information on the operational readiness of all Army formations.
Participants at the event include the COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Commander TRADOC, Theater Commanders, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), and commanders of various military formations across the country.
In his speech at the event, the Lt. Gen. Buratai first of all took the gathering into the achievement of the Army since he assumed duty as the COAS.

“Since I assumed the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army I have to reorganise the top echelon of the force I inherited from my predecessor in order to ensure efficiency in the discharge of the onerous responsibilities placed on my shoulder. Topmost in my priorities was to relieve my country of the six year insurgency/terrorism in the North East, which almost brought the nation to its knees,” he said.
“To ensure the realisation of my vision…I quickly orchestrated a robust operational strategy with a couple of instructions and directives all with a view to defeating the Boko Haram terrorists. I take pride to say that as I stand before you today, the callous terror group that brought wanton destruction and untold hardship to our land has been significantly decimated with all of you playing vital roles.”
He said though the army faced many challenges that have hindered its optimal conduct in counter-insurgency; troops would continue to fight Boko Haram terrorists with reinvigorated spirit and professional manner in order to totally wipe out terrorists in the country.

“Let me assure you, my officers and soldiers, that I have tabled all issues before Mr. President and the National Assembly. The logistics deficiencies which have hindered the optimal conduct of the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency operations in the past are being addressed,” he said.
In order to quickly put an end to war against insurgents in the North East, the Army Chief said he had issued sustainment and logistics directives for Operation Lafiya Dole and made resources available to meet operational requirement for effectiveness.
He said: “The Nigerian Army has made appreciable progress in the fight against terror. I am confident that I have the followership that would take Nigeria out of precarious situation we have found ourselves.

“By the Grace of God I look forward to an Army that would be better equipped and better organised, well-motivated and professionally responsive in the discharge of the constitutional responsibilities it owes the Nigerian people. As we look forward to this great feat, let me implore my officers and soldiers to continue to remain professionally responsive and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Apart from his desire to quickly wipe out Boko Haram terrorists, the Army Chief also said one other major project that was dear to his heart is the takeoff of the Nigerian Army Aviation.
He said as part of the efforts to acquire desire platform, he had compiled lists of platforms from Russian, America and Chinese origin including simulators and UAVs.
He said:

“Emphasis was however on Russian made Mi-17 due to it ruggedness, operability and multi-role capacity. As a result, different contractors submitted their proposal for supply which are still being considered. Recently, the Nigerian Army also considered the South Africa made Rooivalk attack helicopter after witnessing a demonstration in South Africa on the capability of the platforms and its employability.
“Additionally, a helicopter operating company called Caverton proposed the supply of 3 x H125 helicopters and maintenance, which the Nigerian Army is also considering presently as an option.

“As it is now, the Nigerian Army Aviation might eventually take-off with any platform it can acquire as long as the platform can perform the expected role. On the whole, there is high hope that the Nigerian Army Aviation will eventually develop to be the desired standard in order to effectively support the Nigerian Army Operations.”
The Army Chief said all activities towards building the Nigerian Army Aviation Corps were still in progress; adding that establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation would enable the complete kick-off of the Corps.
He said: “So far, the main activities been undertaken are the training of the pilots and technicians and also necessary negotiation towards acquiring the helicopters.

On the issue of training, the trainee pilots comprising of one x captain and 9x Lieutenants are still undergoing flying course at International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) Enugu.
“For the 20 x Nigerian Army Aviation technicians who recently completed the six months refresher course on aircraft maintenance at AFIT, they have been attached to 75 STG Yola for on-the-job training. Yola was considered most suitable for the training because most NAF helicopters are currently deployed there as part of Operation Lafiya Dole.”
According to the Army Chief, some landmark initiatives geared towards improving welfare of the troops are also on course. Among such initiative is the Barack Investment Initiative Programme, payment of entitlement of deceased personnel families, sponsorship of deceased personnel children in schools up to university level, special promotion for gallant soldiers in operation Lafiya Dole, and the review of disciplinary cases among officers and soldiers.
“Nigerian Army has also taken necessary measure to improve health care delivery for our personnel and their families by ensuring effective maintenance of hospital facilities and reduce unethical practices in our hospitals. I am looking into the effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a means of

achieving good health delivery in the Nigerian Army medical institution,” he said.
The Army Chief said the army would continue to remain responsive in the expectations of Nigerians in its capability to safeguard the nation’s interest.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to its relentless endevour for effective service delivery through value re-orientation, exemplary leadership, patriotism, innovation, high standard of training, operational efficiency and discipline. The Nigerian Army will not relent on its transparent civil-military relations in the discharge of its responsibilities,” he said.
The COAS also unveil the new Army Doctrine, which according to him would guide the army in all its operations.