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From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Commander 63 Brigade/Headquarters, Sector 1 Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Brigadier General Moronfolu Shonibare, has admonished the newly recruited soldiers of 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks, to give a good account of themselves wherever they are posted to serve, particularly in the protection of oil installations within their coverage areas.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour during the graduation ceremony of the Cadre Course for 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, at the weekend, the Brigade Commander urged the young soldiers to realise the importance of the responsibility placed on them and work towards ensuring excellent performance on duty.
According to him: “This occasion is not merely a graduation ceremony, but a proud affirmation of your readiness to uphold the values and responsibilities expected of you as soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
“Your posting to 3 Battalion, one of the oldest and most distinguished units in the Nigerian Army, places you within a proud legacy of discipline, precision, and operational excellence.
“At the outset, let me appreciate the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen EE Emekah, for his support in providing the needed resources, and excellent leadership towards the brigade.
“The operating environment where you find yourself is dynamic; it holds a pivotal place in the socio-economic fabric of our great nation. Known for its rich natural resources and centrepiece in oil production, the AOR being a part of the Niger Delta region is not only the economic centrepiece of the country but also embodies the resilience and strength of our people.
“Safeguarding such a vital region is not merely a responsibility, it is a national imperative of utmost priority to the nation, which is our collective duty to ensure.
“The training you have acquired within the past seven weeks is in line with the COAS command philosophy which is: To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment, which is therefore essential to the task of securing the oil and gas infrastructure within the region and ensuring peace and security in the unit’s Area of Responsibility.
“The objective of the training was clear: to prepare you to excel in the diverse challenges of military operations, with particular emphasis on internal security and counter-insurgency operations. The programme was meticulously designed to equip you with the requisite skills and fortitude required to serve with honour.”
Earlier in his speech, the Commanding Officer (R) of 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks, Major Abdulazeez Haruna, highlighted the importance of the training given to the new intakes, noting that with such training they have been well nurtured and equipped to face whatever challenges in the course of discharging their duties even in a very difficult terrain.
His words: “The training programme you have acquired was meticulously designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to excel in all you will be tasked to do during your tour of duty in 3 Battalion.
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“You were exposed to some essential aspects of the military which include the conduct of internal security and counter-insurgency operations, minor infantry tactics, weapon training, and regimentation amongst others.
“As you are already aware, the importance of the Unit AOR to the economic survival of the country cannot be overemphasised. The region generates a sizeable portion of the country’s revenue which enables government to execute impactful projects.
“It is therefore important we ensure the safety of all multinational corporations in collaboration with sister Services and other security agencies.
“It is worthy to mention our partnership with private surveillance company like Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), in achieving this mandate. Our professional and friendly collaboration has been yielding tremendous result as indicated in the high output of crude oil production in the western corridor and minimum cases of oil theft and vandalism.
“Worthy to mention, TSSL recently facilitated the construction and furnishing of a new Battalion Headquarters. The company also equipped the Headquarters with a 20 KVA Solar Inverter System for uninterrupted power supply.
“We are therefore sincerely grateful for this gesture. Additionally, I also want to appreciate The Chairman/CEO Evomec Global Services Limited, High Chief Peter Onajite Esievo unwavering support towards the Unit.
“It is important to highlight that High Chief Esievo facilitated the construction of Block 69, Corporal and Below Quarters, which was renovated after an unfortunate fire outbreak.
“It is worthy to state that as infantry soldiers, it is crucial to grasp the fundamentals of manoeuvre, positioning, and a high level of weapon handling proficiency. Minor infantry tactics form the foundation of our operational capability, enabling smaller units to act decisively while minimising risks.
“Through practical outdoor exercises and TEWT, the young soldiers were trained to navigate difficult terrains, use covers effectively, and execute tactical manoeuvres with precision.
“Therefore, I urge each of you to leverage the skills you have acquired within the past 7 weeks with determination, focus, and commitment to excel. You have had the finest of instructors from the Unit who have shown dedication and commitment to fostering your growth and ensuring your readiness for the task ahead.
“Always remember strength does not lie in individual prowess but in collective unity and purpose,” he stated.
