Army begins new force structure for better security

[TGD]

 THE Nigerian Army has started a new force structure as part of the ways of implementing lasting operational measures including the stationing of troops permanently in some states prone to criminality and violence.

The implementation of  the  new force structure followed the approval by President Goodluck Jonathan for the immediate re-establishment of the Ohafia Barracks in Abia State and the rehabilitation of the barracks at Bida, Niger State and the Army Barracks at Bama in Borno State.

Jonathan commissioned the re-established Ohafia Army Barracks christened after him at the weekend, appealing to the political class "to ensure that the greater national interest underlines their every act. We must never allow contest for political office to degenerate to a level when it becomes a threat to our national peace, security and stability."

The new barracks, he said, were a testament to his administration's efforts at maintaining peace and security in the South East geo-political zone and across the nation.

Jonathan expressed optimism that the barracks' re-opening and attendant permanent military presence would put an end to the high spate of criminal activities that thrived for the 19 years it was shut down in 1992 as part of the restructuring of the Army by the regime of former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

The  facilities  at the Ohafia Barracks are to accommodate the headquarters of 14 Brigade along with its garrison, a battalion and other service supporting elements.

Other complementary units coming as part of the new brigade include the proposed 145 Bn at Ikot Umoh Essien Akwa Ibom, 144 Bn at Umuma along Aba-Port Harcourt Road  in Rivers State and an artillery regiment to be located in Ebonyi State.

According to  the President, along with other security measures already in place, the re-established Ohafia Barracks will ensure general security in Abia and neighbouring states, noting that security was central to sustained growth and development in the zone.  

President Jonathan praised the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps which carried out the rehabilitation of the barracks through direct labour, commending their professionalism and competence.

The President also praised the Army for strict compliance with his directives especially in the deployment of the engineers corps in constructing a temporary floating bridge during the Sokoto flood disaster, clearing of 65km NNPC Pipeline Right-of-Way between Warri and Escravos and the provision of potion bridges to facilitate the Federal Government's independent power project being undertaken by NCEP, to enable the  haulage of very heavy materials to midstream construction site on River Benue.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubike Ihejirika explained that the re-establishment of the brigade was as a result of the President's order to the Nigerian Army to collaborate with the police in arresting the high wave of criminality in the South East and South South geo-political zones.

Ihejirika also announced that the Army was facilitating the construction of some Federal Government's road projects by providing security to enable the early completion of the East-West road by Setraco and Benin-Ore road by RCC.

The rehabilitation of the abandoned barracks took five months to execute and has facilities for the provision of accommodation for 36 officers and 1,440 soldiers.

Dignitaries at the occasion included Governors Theodore Orji (Abia) and Martins Elechi (Ebonyi); Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi (rtd).



Source: Army begins new force structure for better security