Amid security challenges in the country,the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has said that the Nigerian Army under his watch will continue to prioritise training of troops in order to attainprofessional competencerequired to decisively deal with security challengesin the country.

The COAS made the remark Tuesday, 6 September 2022, while declaring open, the SecondCommanding Officers' Workshop 2022, Headquarters 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

Speaking further, the COAS noted that the workshop themed, "Equipment Maintenance and Operational Efficiency: The Role of Operational and Tactical Level Commanders in the Nigerian Armyas well as Sister Services through Inter Agency Cooperation" is apt and in consonance with his vision for the Nigerian Army. General Yahaya expressed optimism that the workshop would shape the operational focus and approaches of Commanding Officers and Junior Commanders toward operating effectively and efficiently in a joint environment. The COAS appreciated the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for his tireless support to the Nigerian Army.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal lauded the contributions of the Nigerian Army to the maintenance of peace and security in the state and the nation at large. He added that synergy with other services and security agencies has further enhanced the fight against insecurity in the north west.

In the same vein,His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto Alh Saad Abubakar IIIcommended troops of the Nigerian Army under the watch of the COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for theireffort and sacrifices in maintaining security in the country.The Royal father prayed for peace in the nation.

In a statement, the Director Army Public Relations,Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army/ Commander Operation HADARIN DAJI, Maj Gen Uwem Bassey,r in his welcome address,appreciated the COAS for approving 8 Division to host the Workshop and for providing the logistics support for the training. He assured the COAS of the continued commitment of officers and soldiers of 8 Division to ongoing operations to turn the tide against the nation's adversaries.