The Nigerian Army has blamed the setback it earlier encountered in its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation in the North-East on “over reliance” on foreign equipment and spares.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who stated this yesterday in Abuja, said over 178 armoured fighting vehicles, which had been abandoned for an upward of 25 years, were refurbished, in a deliberate attempt at remedying the situation.
This was as the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), disclosed plans by the Federal Government to establish a Military Industrial Complex in Kaduna. Both Buratai and Dan- Ali spoke at the First Army Research and Innovation Summit, which witnessed the exhibition of locally fabricated equipment, including the infantry combat motorbikes.
The COAS, while emphasising the complex na ture of war in contemporary times, noted that: “As we are all aware, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and advancement in technology. “In view of this, armies the world over are continually engaged in research and innovation to enable them surmount emerging security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army recognises these changes and, therefore, seeks to develop local capacity for an enduring research and innovation process that will enhance its operations.”
The Army Chief added: “Our experience in the North-East and other theatres of operation has helped us draw useful lessons which have shaped the ongoing transformation process of the Nigerian Army aimed at developing and sustaining the right combat power for a professionally responsive force.ture of war in contemporary times, noted that: “As we are all aware, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and advancement in technology.
“In view of this, armies the world over are continually engaged in research and innovation to enable them surmount emerging security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army recognises these changes and, therefore, seeks to develop local capacity for an enduring research and innovation process that will enhance its operations.”
The Army Chief added: “Our experience in the North-East and other theatres of operation has helped us draw useful lessons which have shaped the ongoing transformation process of the Nigerian Army aimed at developing and sustaining the right combat power for a professionally responsive force.
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