US military training of African soldiers

Femi Adi /Kaduna

In fulfilment of its promise to assist Nigeria combat Boko Haram insurgency , the United States of America ,U.S.A on Wednesday at Jaji, Kaduna  commenced the  training of t 750 soldiers selected from various units of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at the inauguration‎ ceremony of the 145 battalion training,at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, the US Ambassador ‎James Entwistle,  emphasised the need for other nations to join hands with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

He emphasised that  Nigeria cannot do it alone except with support from other experienced countries across the world.

According to the Ambassador, the United States partnership with Nigeria in the area of personnel training  is a right step and the best approach to addressing the prolonged Boko Haram attacks in the north-east part of Nigeria .

‎”Nigeria, US partnership extends beyond immediate gains, we need to work together to rebuild the North-East. We are two great democracies and we many great things together.” He stressed.

In his speech, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin‎, who is also the special guest at the event, noted that the partnership between the US Army and Nigerian Armed Forces is strategically borne out of shared commitment to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

He observed that the partnership will surely  continued to improve in many important areas one of which is in the security realm.

He stated further ,”The excellent relationship has led to several joint initiatives one of which is the commitment of the United States and her military to assist Nigeria in professionalising our security forces.

‎”Let me add that the training being conducted for this battalion and indeed other support that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will be getting from the United States as our strategic partnership will be better put to use.”

“This is the only way to justify the enormous efforts and resources committed by both the Nigerian and American governments in organising and implementing this training programme.”

Also speaking, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant  General ,Tukur Buratai pointed out that the recent security challenges being faced in the country requires dynamic command and leadership to overcome it, hence the need for the training.

He maintained that the security challenges that have confronted the Nigerian Army in contemporary times are remarkably different from the ones we have in the past.

However, he urged the soldiers to work hard towards achieving the goals of the training.” I am confident the US Training team with the support of the Commandant and In‎instructors of NASI are prepared to give you the highest quality of instruction.” he admonished the participants, ” he said .