FG To Create Special Forces Brigade To Fight Terrorism

The federal government yesterday announced plans to set up a special forces brigade that would be dedicated to the fight against terrorism.

President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this during the passing out parade of Officer Cadets of the 61 Regular Course and Short Service Course 42 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. Jonathan said the brigade was designed to tackle new threats to the environment and align the Armed Forces to greater citizens’ protection and national defence.

The president also promised to honour Armed Forces personnel who may die in the course of the efforts to safeguard the country.

Jonathan said the decision to establish a special forces brigade was part of measures to meet the challenge of the burgeoning terrorism. He commended the fighting spirit of the military men in the war against insurgency.

The president told the graduating cadets in Kaduna, “The welfare and safety of the men that will be under your command must therefore be top priority. You must make it clear to all, that we will execute a policy of zero tolerance to indiscipline and corruption. The military we are building is one that must at all times serve our people and our nation, and not the self…

“Our officers are some of the finest in Africa and among the best in the world. It is a matter of national pride that our pioneer military institution has risen to the challenge of meeting the human resource needs of sister African countries, including the training of officers from the Republic of Liberia, Uganda, Togo, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. I urge you to exhibit the high standard and professionalism the NDA is noted for wherever you go.”

Jonathan urged the soldiers to be courageous, disciplined, and loyal, saying, “A career in our Armed Forces is not the place for the heartless. Our men and women in uniform are bold and brave. They are our pride and our nation will continue to honour and appreciate those who stand strong in defence of our country.”

He told the soldiers to be guided by the military ethics and the constitution of the country.

The president extolled the supportive role of families of the Armed Forces personnel. He made special mention of the female cadets, saying, “I am fulfilled by my decision to permit regular combatant training for female cadets and I urge these amazons to remain steadfast and determined, serving as models of inspiration to younger women.”

Jonathan paid special tribute to the officers and men who put their lives on the line to defend the country and announced special honours for those who may die in the process.

“Our nation will not abandon you. We are standing with you,” he told the soldiers, stressing, “On this special occasion, I am directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute special honours for our men in uniform who lose their lives in active service. On no account must our country abandon those who serve her loyally, and paid the supreme price. This honour is to ensure that their memories and service live with us and our nation forever.” [Thisday]

1 COMMENT

  1. I appreciate the way mr president is trying to put things in order, but let not be the salving officer or soldier that they ll transfer them to counter special force, pls mr president recruit new people so that the issue of unemployment ll decrease. never the less, mr president, use U.S.A method of recruitment dont let any person that buy form behind, carry every body to depot forget about screening exercise. God bless Nigeria.