The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said the army headquarters will sustain efforts to upgrade existing equipment and procure new platforms for the Artillery Corps to boost its operational capabilities.

The COAS stated this at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow X, 2024 , Firepower Demonstration on Friday at the Nigerian Army Military Training Range, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State.

The COAS was represented by Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, the Chief of Training, Army.

The exercise is conducted annually at artillery formations and units on the employment of artillery resources in all phases of conventional, hybrid and asymmetric warfare as well as military operations other than war.

The 2024 theme was: “Integration of emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support to Nigerian army operations in a joint environment.’’

The COAS said, “The exercise provides a good opportunity for the participating formations and units to sharpen their skills, knowledge and expertise in the conduct of Artillery Tactics, Techniques and procedures. This is to effectively provide fire support to manoeuvre forces, taking advantage of existing technologies and new innovations.”

He added that this year’s theme was carefully selected to ensure that the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery kept pace with the latest trends in new and emerging technologies in line with the Nigerian Army’s modernisation drive.

Mr Lagbaja applauded the performance of the formations and the foresight of the corps towards integrating emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support to Nigerian Army operations.

He said, “Indeed, sound fire support is essential for success in the current volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous operational environment. The complexity and sophistication of the drivers of insecurity that cut across political, economic, cultural and social spheres of our national life constitute major impediments to the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies. These issues which are further exacerbated by shifting demographics, globalisation and rapidly changing technologies, among other factors, have clearly reinforced the need for new patterns of training, adaptations and contingencies. I am particularly happy that the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery has continued to be innovative and also utilising its new technologies for provision of effective fire support to the Nigerian Army. This has evidently manifested in the various theatres of operation across the country.’’

Mr Lagbaja explained that the periodic assessments visits to the Nigerian Army School of Artillery and other Artillery formations provided a better understanding of the state of one’s integral weapon systems, equipment and other capabilities.

The army chief also congratulated the corps for sustaining remarkable progress through periodic gun repairs and research and development initiatives.

He said, “Your tenacity and focus is a reflection of your excellent performance at the Research and Development Exhibition conducted during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024. This feat of exploring indigenous solutions to address present challenges is commendable.”

Mr Lagbaja enjoined all corps of the Nigerian Army to devote more attention to improving indigenous research and development programmes and transform them into world-class repairs, maintenance and manufacturing systems.

He commended the commandant corps of artillery, all gunner officers and soldiers for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of Exercise VULCAN GLOW 2024.

He stated, “Your commitment towards enhancing the proficiency of the artillery corps is consistent with the strategic objectives of my command philosophy. This is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our responsibilities.’’

The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

” I enjoin the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery not to rest on its laurels but to keep the shells flying and continue to be the Corps of Proud Professionals,” Mr Lagbaja said.

Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said training was critical to achieving any desired end in military operations.

Mr Kangye said, “Hence, my desire to develop skilled and competent Artillery personnel and to maintain serviceable platforms and equipment required for the provision of accurate, timely and effective fire support to NA operations. This year’s exercise has consolidated on the gains of last year with the participation of NA Space Command through the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems for observation and correction of fall of shots.”

(NAN)