The Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. D.D Ahmadu has explained why the Nigeria Army decided to hold the Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition (NASAC) in the dreaded Sambisa Forest.
Maj. Gen. Ahmadu disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday at a media briefing held at the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri. The briefing which is part of Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition otherwise known as NASAC which is part of the training activities of the Nigerian Army scheduled for 2017. It is a competition among the formations of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the choice of Sambisa Forest for the 2017 competition is to consolidate on the total defeat of the insurgents and dominate the general forest area and make it safer for other activities.
“The objective of the Championship is to sharpen the marksmanship skills of the Nigerian Army personnel. The formations will be competing in marksmanship with the best formation carting away the prestigious Chief of Army Staff’s trophy.
“Additionally, the NASAC 2017 is designed to consolidate on the total defeat and routing out of the Boko Haram terrorists from their operational headquarters at Camp Zero in Sambisa Forest.
Furthermore, the championship will also mark the commencement of the on-going plan to move speedily and make the Sambisa forest general area safe for habitation and subsequently make it an area for the Nigerian Army training activities. To this end, provision has already been made for the opening of more roads, construction of culverts and bridges by the Nigerian Army Engineers to facilitate easy movements to the general area. The NASAC 2017 is unique with the introduction of Nigerian Army fire power demonstration as part of the activities. This would enable Nigerian Army to test its armored tanks, infantry weapons and artillery guns as well as various weapons in its inventory to enhance battle marksmanship and professionalism of its personnel,” Maj. Gen. Ahmadu said.
While pledging the commitment of the army toward the safety of the people of Borno State and calling on them not to panic, the Army however cautioned residents to be vigilant of any suspicious character within their community and report such to the appropriate authorities.
“There is no gain saying that the small arms championship is set to be another epoch making event that would further emphasize the Nigerian Army’s effort and resolve in meeting and sustaining the constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to peace and security in various parts of our dear country. In this regard, the general public especially the residents of Borno state are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being will continue to be guaranteed.