President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the welfare of troops, especially those in operational areas be enhanced.This was disclosed in a statement issued after a meeting of Minister of Defence ,Mansur Dan-Ali , the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs on Monday at the Ship House Headquarters of Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
The Statement signed by Colonel Tukur Gusau Public Relations officer to the Minister of Defence said inter alia: ” In a related development and a show of concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country.”
Furthermore, the statement revealed that Buhari has “directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers through government to government basis.”
Monday’s statement which was specifically titled: “Update On Army Council And Navy Board Meetings” also announced that “The Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks.”
Army Chief to Remain in North East
During the meeting, the Minister of Defence also directed the Chief of Army Staff to remain in the North East until security situation improves.The statement further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Nigerian Army was also directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara state to oversee the conduct of Operation Sharan Daji.
Changes in in Operational Commands loom
According to Tukur, “The Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff were also mandated to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations Delta Safe in the Niger Delta, Lafiya Dole in the North East, Sharan Daji in Zamfara and Katsina states and Awatse in the South West. This is to enable them meet up with the current threats and security challenges in their areas of responsibility.”
