The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Abayomi Olonisakin, on Wednesday pledged that the Federal Government would continue to provide appropriate equipment and build an effective fighting force to contain current security challenges in the country.

Olonisakin said this during the inauguration of a training programme for selected units of the Nigeria Army in Jaji, Kaduna State.

“Let me assure you of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that the Nigerian Armed Forces is adequately equipped to enable it perform its constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.”

He said that the training was among series of support programmes developed to deepen strategic partnership between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Military.

According to him, the strategic partnership is borne out of a shared commitment to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the world.

He therefore implored the trainees to “make maximum use of this unique training to improve on their skill and capabilities in tasks that the battalion would be given.”

The CDS commended Mr James Entwistle, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, and Commander, US AFRICOM, Gen. Rodriguez for their support.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. - Gen. Tukur Buratai, also assured soldiers that the government would improve their welfare and provide them with necessary logistics support to excel.

“You are all aware of the gains made so far in the ongoing fight against Boko Hara terrorists in the North East and the effort to restore normalcy to all liberated territories.”

Buratai assured that the Nigerian military would strictly respect the rights of citizens in line with international laws.

“I urge all of you to be a reflection of soldiers that are professional, disciplined and patriotic in the discharge of your duties in whatever operation you find yourselves.”

About 800 personnel are participating in the training.

•Photo shows: Gen. Olonisakin.

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