By Henry Oladele
The Nigerian Army on Friday said that it was working with some indigenous and foreign companies for local production of weapons and other defence needs.
The Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai made the disclosure during the graduation ceremony of 24 officers of the force from the Nigerian Army College of Logisitics (NACOL).
Buratai, represented by the Chief of policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Rasheed Yusuf, said that a prototype for some of its needed military hardware had already been produced.
He called on the military training institutions to champion the research and development as well as the technological adaptation drive of the Nigerian Army.
He further stated that the force would continue to fund any of the research and development effort of the institutions.
“”The challenges we face in our continuous dependent on foreign imports for our defence needs have had adverse impact on the current counter insurgency operations in the North East.
“”There is, however, a change of focus towards the development of indigenous technology to meet our defence requirement.
“”In this regard, the Nigerian Army is currently in partnership with a number of indigenous and foreign companies in the local production of its defence needs.
““You will recall that during the Nigerian Army Day celebration 2018 at Monguno Barracks, the Army used the occasion to showcase its research and development drive,” he said.
Buratai highlighted some of the equipment displayed at the Mini Trade Fair and Military Equipment Exhibition including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and prototype helicopter.
“”Our training institutions must be in the forefront of research and development, technological adaptation and innovation drive of the army.“The army will continue to provide the needed assistance and funding to drive any of such efforts,” he said.
Buratai also said that the force was committed to a professionally responsive Army that is alive to its constitutional roles.
“”Thus, the observance of the rule of law, rules of engagement, human rights observance and effective civil-miltiary relations have been embraced in all our activities.
“”I would at this point sincerely express our deep appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for his direction and encouragement in our effort in confronting the security challenges facing the country,” he said.
He said that the army remained loyal and subordinate to the constituted democratic government.
He also urged commanders at all levels to continue to provide requisite leadership and ensure that their personnel are continually reminded uphold the tenets of military professionalism.
He also advised commanders to guide military personnel under them on the provision of the constitution and other operational guidelines.
He commended the NACOL for the rich curriculum and expressed hope that the institution gave the graduands needed knowledge in logistics planning and execution in support of military operations.
“”There is no doubt that the graduating students have been sufficiently equipped to perform effectively in their future endeavours.
““I challenge you to go to the field with the determination and with knowledge gained while at the college and make a difference,” he said.
Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Maj.- Gen. Richard Duru, said the seven months course was designed to train middle-level officers in the preparation and execution of logisitics plan in support of formation up to corps level.
He said the course was meant to improve participants’ professional skills in military hardware, planning provision of efficient logistics support for the Nigerian Army Operation. (NAN)