Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed has sought additional capacity for the security architecture to defeat all forms of challenges bedevilling the country.
He spoke yesterday at the commissioning of the new headquarters of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps and the opening of the Armour Reunion Celebration at Obienu Barracks in Bauchi.
The governor expressed confidence that the Nigerian Army is well-equipped and determined to defend Nigeria and her citizens against all forms of insecurity with the modernisation of its operations for excellence.
He, however, stressed the need to strengthen the country’s security architecture by boosting the morale of troops and improving the welfare of personnel for efficient service delivery.
Governor Mohammed who was represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, believed that the Obienu Barracks new complex, with its state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, would serve as a hub for the training and deployment of personnel and coordination of the operations of the Armoured Corps.
“I must commend the foresight and initiative of the leadership of the Nigerian Army in undertaking the construction of this impressive complex. At a time when our nation is facing numerous security challenges, it is heartening to see the Army taking proactive steps to strengthen its operational capabilities and enhance the readiness of its Armoured Corps.
“I am particularly proud and grateful that this important military structure has been established within our state. I am certain that the Armoured Corps will continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity in the North-East region,” he said.
He recalled that the Armour Reunion celebration was designed to bring both serving and retired Armour officers together to deliberate and share knowledge and experience on the way forward and strengthening the capabilities of the Armoured Corps. He said the initiative would go a long way in enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian Army in counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.
Governor Mohammed added, “I have taken personal interest and align with the theme of the reunion, which is ‘Enhancing the Capacity of NAAC for Improved Operational Efficiency within a Joint Environment.’
“I therefore wish to affirm my earlier canvassed opinion that the security challenges facing our dear nation can only be curtailed when security agencies and the relevant authorities including states work together towards a common end. This calls for synergy amongst the various security agencies.”
Governor Mohammed said effective coordination is required among relevant agencies to avoid needless duplication of efforts and ensure seamless information sharing and unified action.
He said his administration is committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in its mission to eradicate all forms of security challenges in Bauchi State.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, pledged full support to the Armoured Corps to reactivate its operational facilities for improved operational efficiency and to effectively safeguard the territorial integrity of the country. The Army Chief expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for his administration’s outstanding support to the Armoured Corps and other army formations in Bauchi State and promised to remain focused on overcoming security challenges.