‘We are aware of the enormity of the challenges posed by terrorism’

I am delighted to welcome our Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President, Commander–in–Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria to the COAS Annual Conference 2014. It is also my honour and privilege to welcome our host Governor the “Uncommon Transformer”, His Excellency, Obong (Barrister) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, whose tremendous support to the Nigerian Army has again manifested in his willingness to host this Conference here in Uyo. Permit me to also welcome all other distinguished guests who have taken time out to honour our invitation despite their busy schedules. We are indeed honoured by your presence as we look forward to your invaluable contributions during the Conference.

The COAS Conference is organised primarily to review our activities in 2014 and make projections for the coming year in order to enhance our operational readiness. The Conference provides the forum for the leadership of the Army to reassess the army’s preparedness in carrying out its constitutional roles especially in the face of contemporary national and global security challenges. Before I proceed further, may I inform our Commander –in – Chief and other dignitaries that this year’s Conference will adopt the Town Hall Meeting format, in order to offer a cross-section of lower cadre officers the opportunity to meet and interact with the leadership of the Nigerian Army on pertinent issues affecting the Service. The Army under my command, believes that an effective 2 way vertical and horizontal communication can confer institutional benefits especially as we confront current national security challenges.

To this end, this Conference will begin with my interactive session with officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and below as they represent the future leadership of the Nigerian Army.  In addition to the various functional and departmental briefs, the Conference will take an in – depth look at ongoing Nigerian Army and Joint operations being conducted by various formations across the country.  A major discussion at this Conference will focus on the Nigerian Army Development plan in the next 20 years. Furthermore, topical presentations on Nigerian Army ORBAT, training in the Nigerian Defence Academy, and establishment of Nigerian Army Aviation will be made and deliberated upon during the Conference.

The upsurge of terrorism and violent extremism in the North-East of our country has remained the most significant threat facing our dear country today. The Nigerian Army is fully aware of the enormity of this national challenge having fought a 30 month civil war to unite Nigeria and taken part in operations to protect the territorial integrity of other countries which faced similar threats. Consequently, we would be undertaking a review of ongoing operations in the North East with a view to bringing a speedy end to the reign of terror unleashed on innocent Nigerians by these elements. I wish to assure all our esteemed guests that this Conference will comprehensively address all operational and administrative issues confronting the Nigerian Army and proffer appropriate remedies accordingly.

In the last 10 months since my assumption of command, our attention has been focused primarily on tackling the insurgency in the North East and other security challenges in the country particularly in the North Central and North West.  Our key priorities have been to maintain all round operational readiness, improve the standard of training, modernize our equipment, pay attention to troops welfare and on the whole enhance our force posture.  During the year, we also developed and implemented new strategies not only to contain current threats but also to better prepare us to combat future security challenges. While some operational successes were recorded in some engagements, the Nigerian Army suffered setbacks in others.  This Conference therefore offers us the opportunity to deliberate and re–strategise for better outcomes in future operations.
At this juncture, let me, reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. Our cardinal duty to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain its territorial integrity, suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authority remains unnegotiable.

I must express our deep gratitude to Mr President, Commander–in–Chief for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army in its bid to rid our dear country of terrorism and other acts of criminalities. Our appreciation also goes to members of the National Assembly particularly members of the Committee on Defence and the Army for their legislative support to the Army in the effort to keep our nation safe and secure. We are equally grateful to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs and heads of Security Agencies for their support to the Nigerian Army. My appreciation also goes to the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State for graciously accepting to host this conference. We are also thankful to all our esteemed guests for honouring our invitation despite other competing engagements.

Finally, I thank the organizing Committee for their efforts towards a successful Conference.  I wish us all a fruitful and rewarding Conference.

Welcome address by the Chief Of Army Staff,    Lieutenant   General KTJ Minimah Cfr NAM Cmh Gss Psc(+) Fwc Msc  at the  COAS  Annual Conference at Ibom Le Meridien Hotel Uyo on 2 December 2014