By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
The Nigerian Army
has inducted and operationalised four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti Ambush
Protected vehicles (MRAPs) in the North East theatre of operation to enhance
fire power and protection of troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State of
West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists.
Recall that the Nigerian Army in partnership with Proforce Nigeria
Limited, – an indigenous Armour Vehicle Manufacturing Company based in Ode-Remo
in Ogun State had delivered the first ever Nigerian Army – Proforce
locally manufactured MRAPs, four of which were inaugurated on August 1, 2019 by
the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, at the Nigerian
Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai
represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army) Maj Gen EO
Udoh said the induction of the MRAPs would boost the operational capability
and protection of the troops to decisively prosecute the ongoing counter
insurgency operations.
He reminded the troops that equipment alone without strong will and
determination by men cannot win wars, he therefore charged them to remain
resolute in the discharge of their duties and strengthen their commitment to
end the war against terrorism soon
While appreciating the efforts of the Special Forces in the fight against
terrorism, especially the recapture of Baga by the Special Forces, he assured
them of Nigerian Army’s continued support to specialised training as well as
improved welfare to enhance the effectiveness of the Special Forces.
Earlier, the Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Mhounday
Gadzama Ali, said the provision of the MRAPs and other equipment by the
COAS will spur the Command in their dogged struggles to wipe out the remnants
of Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists soon.
As part of the concern the leadership of the Army has for the troops, the
representative of the COAS delivered the COAS goodwill message and had lunch
with the troops after inspecting an ongoing renovation work in the camp.
