The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has reassured that all those who were involved in the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will not escape justice.
He gave the assurance when he paid a visit to NDA over the recent security breach in the Academy.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor, had paid a similar solidarity visit to the Academy on 24 August 2021.
The COAS, in a statement by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Major, Bashir Muhammad Jajira, also pledged the support of the Federal Government to prevent future insecurity in the Academy.
He said he was at the Academy to obtain a firsthand brief on the recent security breach and also commiserate with the commandant NDA, Maj Gen IM Yusuf, and the NDA community.”
He said “No matter how long it takes, the perpetrators of this heinous act would be brought to justice.”
He enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Academy to remain vigilant, noting that the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.
The COAS also assured the Commandant and staff of the Academy of the Nigerian Army’s support and solidarity in the fight against insecurity,.
He commended the Commandant NDA, 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.
The Army Chief also urged the Academy staff to remain loyal to the country, stressing that they should “not allow the unfortunate incident to deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
“The Nigerian Army would also provide the Academy with additional operational enablers to further enhance the security of the Academy.” He added
He urged the Commandant, not to be deterred, but remain focus on the good job he is doing in the Academy.
Before leaving the Academy, he also undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the incident.
In his welcome address, the Commandant briefed the COAS on the security breach into the Academy which occurred on 24 August 2021.”
He briefed the COAS on the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the Academy.
He said “that this incident has actually reinforced the cohesion of the entire Academy Community who have vowed to provide formidable support and prevent future occurrence.”
He expressed his appreciation to the COAS for his encouragement and support for the Academy before and after the incident, noting particularly the efforts being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
He 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 informed the COAS that the support measures have really boosted the morale of the staff and the security of the Academy.
