Why Army is diversifying ― Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Yusuf Buratai has said apart from protecting the terroristic area of the country, the army is now involved in other economic activities in order to assist its personnel and the general public.

This was even as he stressed that their present position in line with global trends as apart from fighting enemies, the army now poses to fight food insecurity.

To this end, he disclosed that the army has now established Nigeria Army Farm and Ranches, NA Post Service Housing Development Limited, Command Engineering Depot as well as Nigerian Army Property Limited and Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee.

Speaking at the Nigeria Army day at the ongoing Kaduna Trade Fair on Saturday, Buratai remarked that these outfits not only serve the interest of Nigerian Army personnel but also avail its products and services to the general public at relatively affordable prices hence our participation at Kano, Abuja and now Kaduna International Trade Fairs.

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“At this juncture, I must commend the efforts of DicON IK in collaboration with Command Engineering Depot (CED) under the leadership of Maj Gen V O Ezugwu for the historic research, development production of EZUGWU, the first indigenous MMine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle using 70 percent local content.

Additionally, he stated that the strategic alliance between DICON and CED has led to the Jos production of patrol vehicles, bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, most importantly mine and IED clearance equipment.

“These vehicles and equipment which are on display at this venue have been inducted into the military counter-insurgency operations in the North F Other Nigerian Army outfits that have added value to the economic development of Nigeria include Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Scheme. Nigerian Army Proper Ltd and Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches.

Also, he remarked that the Medical Corne ba also impacted positively to the Health Sector across Nigeria by providing medical assistance not only to our troops but also to the civil populace.

On Boko Haram, the CoS assured Nigerians the commitment of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with our sister Services to always emerge victorious against the enemies of our national peace and security.

“Specifically, a few days ago, our troops deployed in Damboa Bornu State recorded a resounding tactical victory against the evil forces of Boko Haram who dare the superiority of our Forces.

“They paid very dearly for it by the monumental losses in men and equipment. Let me once more remind us that the ongoing operations in the NE are asymmetrical and not conventional warfare. We hereby solicit the support, prayers, patience, and understanding of all Nigerians.

“There is no doubt that the much-expected victory which comes from God alone shall be ours, he declared.