The Nigerian Army has operationalised the four newly acquired Mine Resistance and Anti-ambush Protection vehicles (MRAPS) in the North-east theatre of operations to enhance fire power and protection of troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
The Nigerian Army took delivery of the four vehicles from ProForce Nigerian Limited, an indigenous vehicle manufacturing outfit about two weeks ago and were inaugurated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at the operationalisation of the vehicles at the Nigerian Army Special Forces Super Camp, Chabol, Maiduguri, Borno state, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the induction of the MRAPS would boost the operational capability of the troops to “decisively prosecute the ongoing counterterrorism operations.”
The Army Chief who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh, reminded the troops that equipment alone without strong will and determination by men cannot win war, he therefore charged them to “remain resolute” in the discharge of their duties and strengthen their commitment to end the war against terrorism within a short period.
While appreciating the efforts of the Special Forces in the ongoing counterterrorism operations and their recent recapture of Baga by the Special Forces, he assured that the Nigerian Army would “continue to give due priority and attention to specialised training as well as improved welfare for effective employment of the Special Forces.”
“You will recall that the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command was established recently to coordinate the deployment and employment of all Special Forces across the country,” he said. “This has brought about effective and efficient utilisation of the Special Forces within the theatre of operation. The recent recapture of Baga by the Special Forces is most instructive in this regard.”
Earlier, the Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Mhounday Gadzama Ali, said the provision of “these highly desired instrument of insertions will spur the Command to ensure that the remnants of these bandits called ISWAP and Boko Haram are swept off Nigeria’s territory sooner than later.”
“The Command’s resolve since its establishment in December 2018 to look inward in fabricating dearly needed weapons and vehicle spares as well as hunt for ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists and their leaders will continue to soar until this senseless war is brought to an end in favour of our fatherland,” he said.
The representative of the Chief of Army Staff had lunch with the troops after inspecting ongoing renovations in the camp and some innovations by technicians in the command.
The Nigerian Army is expecting five more MRAPS from the manufacturer in the next few weeks.
