The Nigerian Army (NA), authority covering the Lagos and Ogun Areas of Responsibility (AOR), yesterday vowed to continue to unearth insurgents who escaped and relocated to the South-west region, from the North-eastern part of the country.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Obi Umahi, made this disclosure during the Officers' Training Week held at the army auditorium in Lagos.
Tagged, "The state of readiness of units within the 81 Division and challenges of internal security operations," the GOC said the training was germane in order to ensure officers of the division and other security agencies are put in the right frame on the realities of contending with current security challenges.
He said, "It is common knowledge that commercial cities such as Lagos, amongst others, constitute the economic hub of Nigeria with a high population density and thus attracts both economic migrants and ardent criminals.
"Similarly, operations of the NA in the North Eastern part of the country against insurgents have also made some of the insurgents to escape and infiltrate other parts of the country including the South-west."
Umahi expressed worry that the sophistication of violent crimes, terrorism and their perpetrator's modus operandi is taking new dimensions.
He added that with such trends, hence the need for enhanced capability and capacity of security forces to respond to these daunting threats.
"Furthermore, considering the complexity of security issues confronting the nation, the NA, being the last line of defence for the country, must continue to seek new ways and means of curbing the threats of insecurity in the land," he added.
On the measures put in ground by the army to curb election
violence come 2015, Umahi said they have identified flash points, based on intelligence report, and have taken into account measures to preempt such activities.
In his speech, the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said the hallmark of development and sustenance of excellence in any organisation is the capacity to enhance human resources for efficiency and effectiveness.
Fashola who was represented by the Special Adviser, Major General Babatunde Panox (Rtd), said the division is a vital component in security framework of ensuring and enhancing safety and protection of lives in the state.
Also, in his keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, reiterated that the primary role of the army as enshrined in the constitution is to defend the nation from external aggression.
The COAS who was represented by the Corps Commander, NA Engineer, Major General Funsho Owonebi, added that the army is also expected to protect the nation's borders as well as the suppression of insurrection and being of aid to civil authority.
Chiemelie Ezeobi
THISDAY Correspondent
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