Laissez Faire Attitudes Would not be Tolerated, COAS Closes Conference with Strict Rules

… Commanders would be held responsible for any security breach

By Olayemi Esan

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya on Friday said Laissez faire attitudes on the part of commanders would not be tolerated.

He also gave strict rules, reiterated that all personnel should return to the tenets of basic soldering, adhere strictly to the customs, traditions and ethics of the Nigerian Army.

Army Chief gave this order at the closing ceremony of COAS Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2021 which was held at Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess 1 in Abuja.

Lt. General Farouk Yahaya stress that Army personnel must uphold regimentation as well as emplace transparent sanctions and rewards system and to seek to develop competencies to undertake constitutional duties.

“In doing so, we must remain determined to change the tides of events”, he said.

Army Chief also reminded formation and unit commanders on the need to ensure adequate security of their bases, barracks and cantonment.

“Commanders would be held responsible for any security breach”, he said.

According to Lt Gen Yahaya, the importance of leadership cannot be overemphasised especially in the military. This was aptly captured in the lecture on Day 1 of the Conference. It is the responsibility of a leader to develop and earn the trust of his/her subordinates.

Trust built on good character is the bedrock for effective leadership which is geared towards achieving results.

Giving the directive, the Army Boss emphasised that failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances. “To that end, I have directed the appropriate departments to come up with modalities for the evaluation of the performance of commanders in the course of their command.”

He opined that Commanders at all levels must provide quality and good leadership while imbibing the core values of the Nigerian Army. Commanders must also ensure that they remain selfless, build and earn the respect and confidence of their subordinates in order to lead effectively.

“I have directed that leadership training modules be developed and utilized in all our training institutions to enhance the career and performance of all Nigerian Army personnel.

” In the conduct of our operations, commanders must ensure that their troops maintain a state of constant alertness and vigilance at all times to avoid any surprise attack by the adversary.

” It is also the task of commanders to take care of the resources and logistics put at their disposal for the conduct of operations towards achieving results.

” Additionally, commanders must continue to cooperate and work in synergy with our sister Services, other security agencies and stakeholders while developing novel processes, strategies, and tactics to overwhelm the enemy using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

“Commanders must be proactive in the conduct of their operations. You must take the fight into the identified and known enclaves of terrorists and criminals to neutralize them”, he stated.

The Army Chief on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his strategic guidance, untiring and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

I wish to most respectfully reassure Mr President of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of the Constitution and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Lt General Yahaya however, seek the understanding and support of all Nigerians to enable Army serve the Nation as expected.

He assured Nigerians that in days ahead, there shall be more visible signs of improved security across the Country.

The Army Boss advised those fueling the crises being witnessed across the Country to desist from their unpatriotic acts as Nigerian Army remain committed to ensure peace returns to every part of the Country in no distant time.

“The Nigerian Army, within the ambit of rule of law, will talk to the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other perpetrators of violence in the language they understand while ensuring that all peace-loving citizens of this Country go about their legitimate businesses and live their lives without fear or intimidation”, he added.

He charged participants at the Conference to raise the bar in the conduct of operations and aim for success.

He implore all theatre commanders to exhibit good conduct, effective leadership and mentorship in their various commands and pay particular attention to the welfare of their personnel as well as their families.

Army Chief emphasized on the need to observe human rights in different area of responsibilities while being decisive in dealing with perpetrators of violent crimes that undermine national security of the country.

Lt General Yahaya congratulated the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and the Central Organizing Committee for a well-organized conference.

He appealed to Nigerian media to continue to support the efforts of the Nigerian Army in ensuring that the country is safe and secure for all the citizens.

The Conference was declared opened on Monday to brainstorm and interact on the state of affairs of the Nigerian Army and to review activities for the Second and Third Quarters 2021 with a view to coming up with new strategies for winning the war against terror and sundry crimes being perpetrated across the Country.

According to Army Chief, the Conference also offered the veritable platform to explain his Command Philosophy and Vision to participants.

“I have crafted my Vision as to lead “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”.

I believe that with diligent implementation of the decisions taken during this Conference in line with my Vision, the Nigerian Army will end the Year 2021 on a high and successful note”, he noted.