The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, has assessed military units and formations in Kogi to fast-track the division’s transition to Full Operational Capability (FOC).
This is contained in a statement on Friday made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, by Lt.-Col. Ngozi Agha-Okoro, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 5 Division.
Gara, who is also Force Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, undertook the three-day assessment tour to evaluate troop readiness, infrastructure, logistics and operational challenges.
The tour covered military formations, operational bases, maritime facilities and engagements with key stakeholders across the state.
The GOC visited the Headquarters 12 Brigade at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, where he received briefing from the Commander, Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brig.-Gen. K.U. Sidi, on operational achievements and challenges.
Gara also addressed officers and soldiers, urging them to maintain discipline, professionalism and accountability in their engagements with members of the public.
He warned troops against extortion, while charging them to master their weapons and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Army.
He also urged personnel to manage their salaries judiciously and remain conscious of their responsibilities to the public.
NAN reports that at the 179 Motorcycle Battalion, Etutekpe, the GOC inspected ongoing projects being executed under the Chief of Army Staff’s intervention programme.
He also visited Nigerian Navy Ship LUGARD, where he received a briefing on its operational achievements and challenges,” she said.
The GOC further inspected boats and other facilities supporting inland waterway operations at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) jetty.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the operational environment and the facilities required to improve mobility and security along the waterways.
Also inspected by the GOC is the Forward Operating Base and the rear location of 126 Battalion in Okene following the unit’s relocation from Lokoja.
He further visited the Ohinoyi of Ebira Kingdom, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, to strengthen cooperation with traditional institutions on security matters.
At Kabba, Gara inspected the patrol base and 254 Tank Battalion, while also engaging personnel of 353 Artillery Regiment and other affiliated establishments.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the Attah Igala, Dr Matthew Opaluwa, President of the Kogi Council of Traditional Rulers.
The monarchs in Okene and Idah offered royal blessings and expressed support for the GOC’s leadership and security responsibilities.
At the Naval Outpost, Idah, the GOC inspected mobility projects initiated to address transportation challenges confronting personnel in the difficult terrain.
Gara further visited 21 Battalion, Ayingba, where he inspected facilities and ongoing barracks construction projects.
He also inaugurated a mini mosque constructed by the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. G.S. Monde, for Muslim personnel and inspected the renovated Quarter Guard.
The assessment tour is part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to operationalise four newly established divisions following the expansion of its force structure from eight to 12 divisions.
The newly established 5 Division, with headquarters in Makurdi, has an area of responsibility covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi.
Having attained Initial Operational Capability (IOC), the division is undertaking progressive assessments to address identified gaps and meet requirements for Full Operational Capability.
The GOC’s assessment forms part of efforts to consolidate the division’s presence, improve troop welfare and ensure that its formations are adequately prepared to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.(NAN)
