The Nigerian Army 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, has inaugurated a special operation code-named ‘Operation Planning Cadre’ to tackle bandits and other criminals in Nasarawa and Benue.

Joseph Afolasade, spokesman for the command, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lafia.

Mr Afolasade said the special operation was inaugurated at the Joe Akaahan Cantonment, Makurdi.

The army spokesman said Maj.-Gen inaugurated the operation. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the commander of ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’.

Mr Igbinomwanhia said the army would collaborate with other security agencies and key stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in all parts of the country.

The commander added the army would not relent in its quest to defeat any threat to national security and the country’s territorial integrity.

“We are at the forefront fighting against insurgency, banditry, farmers-herders clashes, kidnapping and militancy, among several other security challenges bedevilling the corporate existence of Nigeria,” explained Mr Igbinomwanhia.

He added, “These unscrupulous elements have deployed different methods and tactics in a bid to frustrate the successes recorded by the Nigeria Army’s operations. To this end, all personnel must possess the requisite capacity and competence to effectively tackle these challenges through deliberate understanding and deployment of principles and planning procedures for the conduct of operations.

“The Planning Cadre seeks to enhance the capacity and broaden the knowledge of participants on operational planning, processes and manoeuvres approach to warfare. I, therefore, enjoin you to take maximum advantage of this operations planning cadre to build capacity and develop competence.”

The commander commended Governors Hyacinth Alia and Abdullahi Sule for the friendly environment and cordial relationship with the army.

Maj.-Gen. Hilary Nzan, commander of 4 Special Forces Command, said that the Planning Cadre would allow the field officers to learn and interact on the rudiments of operation to support and execute strategic plans.

“This is in line with the chief of army staff’s Command Philosophy, which is to transform the Nigerian army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment,” Mr Nzan explained. “The modules of the cadre were carefully designed to train and equip the officers with relevant operations planning essentials in the attainment of the army goals and objectives.”

(NAN)