Army trains 93 operatives on arms proficiency

The Nigerian Army has said that it has taken proactive steps to ensure hitch free oil exploration in the Lake Chad in line with the presidential directive.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, made this known in Maiduguri on Saturday.

Ezugwu spoke at the graduation of 93 personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) trained by the Army on arms proficiency in Maiduguri.

He said that the training was to prepare ground for the personnel to play their constitutional roles of safeguarding machines and other facilities at the exploration ground as well as oil pipeline.

``The President and Commander In Chief has given a directive that the Lake Chad be explore for oil reserve and other natural resources that will enhance the economy of the country.

"Thinking ahead, we organised this training for the Civil Defenders because their duty is to police oil pipelines and also provide security for vital equipment that will be used in the exploration,'' he said.

Ezugwu advised the graduands to make good use of the training to safeguard the public property in the area of its operation.

``With the proficiency I have seen this morning, am sure that you are going to discharge all your duties diligently,'' he said.

``This training is the implementation of the Nigerian Army directives to the 7 Division to improve the capacities of security agencies as we are drawing down in the anti insurgency operation,'' he said.

Ezugwu commended the Borno NSCDC commandant for his commitment toward the training.

``I want to say that I have admired the leadership qualities of the state NSCDC commandant because he has placed great emphasis on the training of his personnel.

``Training is the only way that you can bring up your men to perform their responsibilities,'' he said.