Army chief Olufemi Oluyede has warned bandits and terrorists that time is running out on them. Mr Oluyede stated this at the ‘Exercise Vulcan Glow XI 2025 Study Period’, held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna.
Mr Oluyede said the exercise was to prepare artillery formations and units for their primary role of supporting army operations. He said the army must become more innovative, especially in delivering efficient fire support, given the evolving nature of warfare and emerging technologies.
The army chief commended the artillery corps for its efforts in delivering fire support and making progress in equipment repair, maintenance, and research and development.
Mr Oluyede praised the corps’ efforts in leveraging indigenous solutions to address technical challenges in equipment repair. He urged the artillery personnel to enhance their operational effectiveness through adequate training and regular equipment maintenance.
Mr Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the corps and urged that its research and development programmes evolve into world-class repair and maintenance outfits. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the army.
The commander of the corps of artillery, Zakaria Abubakar, said the exercise was an annual artillery field training designed to enhance the capabilities of the artillery personnel. He said the exercise was aimed at practising artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures in conventional, hybrid, and counter-terrorism operations.
He said the exercise was being held in line with the army chief’s strategic approach to consolidating the transformation of the army.
He restated the importance of the exercise, stating that it would provide an opportunity for the personnel to sharpen their skills and enhance their capabilities in providing effective fire support to all operations.
According to him, the exercise is expected to culminate in a live fire demonstration where the artillery personnel would showcase their skills and proficiency in firing artillery guns.
The commander said the corps had been working tirelessly to enhance its capabilities, adding that the exercise was a testament to its commitment to providing superior firepower in support of army operations.
He added that the exercise was also an opportunity for the army to showcase its capabilities and demonstrate its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
(NAN)
