The United States of America on Wednesday at Jaji, Kaduna State commenced training exercise of at least 750 soldiers selected from various units of the Nigerian Army, battling Boko Haram.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 145 Battalion training, at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, the U.S. Ambassador James Entwistle, emphasised the need for other nations to join Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
He said the training was a right step and the best approach to addressing the prolonged Boko Haram attacks in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. ”Nigeria, U.S. partnership extends beyond immediate gains, we need to work together to rebuild the North-East. We are two great democracies and we do many great things together,” he stressed.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, said “the excellent relationship has led to several joint initiatives one of which is the commitment of the United States and her military to assist Nigeria in professionalizing our security forces.
”Let me add that the training being conducted for this battalion and indeed other support that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will be getting from the United States as our strategic partnership will be better put to use.
“This is the only way to justify the enormous efforts and resources committed by both the Nigerian and American governments in organizing and implementing this training programme.”
In his speech, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai urged the soldiers to work hard towards achieving the goals of the training.
“I am confident the U.S. Training team with the support of the Commandant and Instructors of NASI are prepared to give you the highest quality of instruction,” he added.
