Kaduna: The former Chief of Army Staff, now appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the operational and administrative needs of the army as pivotal to the successes achieved so far. He made this statement at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow XI Firepower Demonstration, held at the Nigerian Army military training range in Kachia, Kaduna State.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Oluyede was represented by Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training, Army, who noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to strengthening its capacity to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity. This year’s exercise was themed ‘Repositioning Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.’
Oluyede expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the exercise and commended the artillery corps for their efforts. He stated that the exercise aimed to enhance the professional skills, knowledge, and expertise of troops in artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures. He emphasized the importance of adequate training and equipment maintenance for enhanced operational effectiveness and praised the artillery corps for harnessing indigenous solutions for gun repairs and research and development initiatives.
Oluyede also highlighted the integration of emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s role at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made to safeguard the peace and security of the nation. He noted that the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s threat landscape demands a holistic approach to military operations, emphasizing the need for continuous learning from both exercises and practical field experiences.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his steadfast support and strategy, and thanked the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as retired senior gunner officers. Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar, stated that the exercise was a field training exercise aimed at testing artillery personnel on the planning, preparation, employment, and deployment of artillery resources in various warfare scenarios.
Abubakar explained that the exercise included a study period, operations orders, and briefs, culminating in a firepower demonstration showcasing the corps’ capabilities. He added that the exercise was conducted in line with Army Headquarters’ training directives and included several innovations such as mental health awareness and a novelty volleyball match. Abubakar reassured the Chief of Army Staff that the corps would continue to sustain its efforts in providing effective fire support to Nigerian Army operations.