By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya has established 37 Nigerian Defence Academy Demonstration Battalion in Afaka, Kaduna State, to curb national security threats.
The ceremony, which took place on Friday, was held at the premises of the premier military institution, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
The COAS stated that the timely review and adjustment of Order of Battle for the Nigerian Army has become imperative, due to the fluidity and dynamic nature of contemporary threats to national security.
According to a statement by Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, “The COAS further disclosed that the establishment of the battalion had earlier been approved by the NDA Council, adding that its activation is a practical demonstration of the NA’s commitment to enhancing national security by complementing the capacity development efforts of the NDA, which has the mandate of producing quality junior military officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
He also stated that Gen. Yahaya authorized the issuance of vehicles, arms, ammunition and other enablers to facilitate a smooth take off for the new battalion to enable it achieve its dual mandate of supporting the training of cadets and the provision of security to Kaduna State.
The COAS, who commissioned the Headquarters of the Battalion and conducted a foundation laying ceremony to commence the construction of a standard barrack for officers and soldiers of the battalion, also charged the troops to be exemplary and live by the battalion’s motto, which is, “Resilience and Adaptability”.
The Army Chief further urged them to “demonstrate the traits of the battalion’s mascot, the ‘Honey Badger’, a creature, known to be fearless, resourceful, resilient and adaptable,” Gen. Nwachukwu said.
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In another development, the COAS addressed Passing Out Cadets of Short Service Course 47, where he charged the Cadets, who will be passing out tomorrow 26 February 2022 from the Nigerian Defence Academy, to imbibe the principles of their training and be loyal, dedicated and committed to military duties.
He also admonished the 293 Passing Out Cadets to shun societal vices such as “get rich quick and drug abuse syndromes” currently permeating the ranks of some misguided youths in the country. He added, that the NA has imbued them with requisite training and discipline to succeed in their military career and to actualize their life ambitions.
The COAS also expressed confidence in the standard of training given to the cadets and their ability to perform effectively in the field, especially, in defence of the nation and the citizenry.
