By Correspondent in Kaduna.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS), LT,-Gen.Faruk Yahaya, had avowed to bring to justice, perpectrators of security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on August 24, 2021, “no matter how long it takes.”
The COAS,who gave the assurance, when he visited the Academy on Wednesday,as contained in a statement signed Maj. Bashir Muhammad Jajira, the Academy Public Relations Officer, has also assured NDA of adequate support to enable it tackle insecurity.
He said he was in the Academy over the recent security breach in the military institution to get a firsthand brief on the incident and to commensurate with the commandant NDA, Maj,- Gen. IM Yusuf as well as the NDA community.
The COAS commended the Commandant, the GOC 1 Division, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command and heads of other security agencies in Kaduna State in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
He assured the Academy that the Nigerian Army would also provide it with additional operational enablers to further enhance its security.
The COAS appealed to the Academy staff to remain loyal to the country and not allow the unfortunate incident to deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Gen. Yahaya enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Academy to remain vigilant, stressing that the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.
He urged the Commandant not to be deterred but remain focused on the good job he is doing in the Academy.
The COAS also undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the incident before departing the Academy.
Maj.Jajuta recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor, had paid a similar solidarity visit to the Academy on 24 August 2021.
Briefing the COAS on the security breach,the Commandant, NDA, appreciated him for his encouragement and support for the Academy before and after the incident, particularly the efforts being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
He particularly thanked the COAS for upgrading the Academy Demonstration battalion to a full-fledged battalion, provision of six gun trucks to the Academy, posting in of more instructors and staff, and the provision of other numerous operational enablers to enhance the security of the Academy and its environs.
The Commandant noted that support measures had really boosted the morale of the staff and the security of the Academy.
He expressed delight over the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the Academy.
Gen. Yusuf assured that “this incident has actually reinforced the cohesion of the entire Academy Community who have vowed to provide formidable support and prevent future occurrence.”
