The Army has taken a significant step to prevent the killing of its troops through ambush by terrorists and bandits.

In the last one month, 24 Army officers and men were killed through ambush in Delta and Niger states, while on peace missions.

Yesterday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, hinted of the plan to take delivery of Mine-resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles in the next few weeks.

This is to ensure safety of its personnel in the battle against terrorists and economic saboteurs.

The Army is engaged in different operation in virtually all the 36 states.

Gen. Lagbaja added that the Aviation unit of the Army will soon take off.

MRAP vehicles are a family of automobiles designed to provide increased crew protection against operational threats, such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mines, and small arms.

There are different categories of MRAPs with the most popular being Cougar 6×6, an advanced ballistic and blast-protected type that can seat 10 fully-equipped soldiers.

Army Aviation is generally separate from the Air Force. It usually has a full complement of its own helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

Gen. Lagbaja did not give the number of the MRAPs being expected when he spoke to troops of the 23 Brigade at the Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola in Adamawa State. However, he revealed that some of the assets for the NA Aviation would be on the ground before July.

He told the troops that the awaited special purpose vehicles, the NA Aviation, and other projects, were evidence of progress being made by the Army due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support.

He said: “The government, in its effort to reposition the Army, is doing a lot. In the next few weeks, we are expecting mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to enhance the conduct of our operations nationwide.

“With the support we are getting from Mr President, putting everything together, in the foreseeable future, I see the security situation across Nigeria improving tremendously.”

The Army chief also told the troops that he chose to visit them for a first-hand experience on their challenges and how they conduct their operations.

He added: “I want to encourage you to be unrelenting in the discharge of your duties. Is it anti-banditry, counter-terrorism, normal internal security operations? Whatever task you are given, you should take it as a duty that must be discharged creditably. The Army will address the challenges that confront you and your families.” (Excerpted from a report by The Nation)

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