We are building a professional army to accomplish our mission ― COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya has said that the force is building a professional army to accomplish its mission of defending the territorial environment of the country.

He stated this at the opening of the Combined Directorate of Army Physical Training Officers Conference and Maiden Seminar of the Army School of Physical Training held at the Ogundefo Hall, NMS Zaria on Monday.

Represented by the Director Training Army Headquarters, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Ndalolo, he said, it is gratifying to note that DAPT has significant number of personnel in the joint operations like Operation Hadin Kai and other internal security operations across the nation.

To this end, he noted that the innovative steps taken by the Directorate of Army Physical Training (DAPT) is in line with his vision of the army which to build a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.

Gen. Yahaya said he hoped that the conference with personalities from diverse background with tactical level commanders and other participants will make use of the interactive session to explore ways that would bring the most desired success in the military.

The Army Cheif hoped that the conference will suggest steps that would serve as springboard to future of physical fitness of officers of the Nigerian Army.

Also speaking, tha GOC 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen Danjuma Hamisu Ali said, Nigerian Army is not only conceptually sound, but is physically sound to confront any emerging contemporary security challenges.

In his welcome address, the Director, Army Physical Training, Brigadier General OA Fawole said despite COVID-19 Pandemic, giant strides have been recorded in the area of sports.

He said Nigerian Army won silver medals at the first North-West Taekwando open championship and Confederation of West African Region Athletics championship respectively.

Gen Fawole also said the Nigerian Army Football team, Green Beret won Kaduna State Challenge and Federation Cup.