Army recruits 9,000 soldiers to battle insecurity

By The Rainbow
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In response to rising security challenges, the Nigerian Army has begun the recruitment of 9,000 soldiers to strengthen its personnel.

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, disclosed this Monday  in Ibadan.

He spoke at the opening of a week-long military-civil society relations workshop in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Army chief, who was represented by the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen. John Enwusiha, said the Army would collaborate with the civil society in the war against insurgency.

According to Ihejirika,  an improved relation with the civil society will enable the Army to access ideas and useful information from civilians.

According to him, it will also enable the civil society to understand the inner workings of the military.

Ihejirika said: '…The Nigerian Army has begun massive recruitment of soldiers to cushion the effect of the current security challenges. I have begun the recruitment of 9,000 soldiers in our various training institutions. This is with a view to meeting the desired end in terms of personnel, equipment, morale and training.

'Let me also seize this opportunity to inform you that the Nigerian Army has intensified its effort towards re-training of its personnel to meet up the Security Challenges.'

The Director, Civil-Military Affairs of the Army, Maj.-Gen. Bola Koleoso, said the initiative provided another opportunity for the army and civilians to rub minds.