The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to their operational and administrative needs has been pivotal to the successes achieved so far.
Oluyede stated this at the closing ceremony of Exercise Vulcan Glow XI Firepower Demonstration’, held on Thursday at the Nigerian Army Military Training Range Kachia, Kaduna State.
The COAS was represented by Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training, Army .
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to strengthen its capacity to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
9news Nigeria report that this year’s exercise was themed, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment’.
Oluyede expressed delight in witnessing the exercise and commended the Artillery Corps for their efforts.
He said the exercise was aimed at enhancing the professional skills, knowledge, and expertise of troops in artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Oluyede emphasised the importance of adequate training and equipment maintenance for enhanced operational effectiveness
He commended the Artillery Corps for harnessing indigenous solutions for gun repairs and research and development initiatives.
The COAS praised the integration of emerging technologies into training for enhanced fire support.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, making immense sacrifices to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved nation.
Oluyede added, “However, the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s threat landscape demand a holistic approach to the conduct of our operations.
“We must keep our minds open to learning, not only from exercises such as Exercise Vulcan Glow, but also from practical experiences in the field.
“You must remain resolute and focused in all Nigerian Army operational engagements.”
The COAS appreciated Tinubu for his steadfast support and strategic and thanked the government and people of Kaduna State as well as retired senior gunner officers.
Oluyede urged the Artillery Corps to remain dedicated to enhancing their operational effectiveness and to keep “the shells flying.”
Earlier the Commander, Corps of Artillery , Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, said the exercise was a field training exercise that aimed to test artillery personnel on the planning, preparation, employment, and deployment of artillery resources in various warfare scenarios.
Abubakar said the exercise included a study period, operations orders, and briefs, culminating in a firepower demonstration showcasing the Corps’ capabilities.
He added that the exercise was conducted in line with Army Headquarters’ training directives.
Abubakar said the exercise introduced several innovations, including mental health awareness and a novelty volleyball match..
He said this year’s ‘Exercise Vulcan Glow’ was merged with ‘Exercise Mun Gama’.
Abubakar explained that the corps had made significant progress under his command, including infrastructural development, establishment of new departments, and renovation of facilities.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, other dignitaries, and stakeholders for their support and guidance
Abubakar reassured the Chief of Army Staff that the corps would continue to sustain its efforts in providing effective fire support to Nigerian Army operations.
