Permit me to note here, that aside providing ample opportunities for equipment and weapons testing, the exercises would also serve to sharpen the tactical skills of individual officers and soldiers, as well as improve the operational readiness of the formation.
It would also serve as deterrent to cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminals hibernating in those areas.
Other activities lined up to mark the celebration include, Juma’at Prayers in all Nigerian Army formations and units on Friday 1 July, 2016 and will be followed on Saturday 2 July, 2016 by a major Environmental Sanitation Exercise which will be carried out along Abuja–Keffi Road, and in other respective Nigerian Army formations and units in the country.
Interdenominational Church Service will also be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units across the nation on Sunday 3 July, 2016 while on Monday 11 July, 2016, I will pay Courtesy Calls on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State and the Emir of Gusau.
This year’s NADCEL, will also enable the Nigerian Army reach out to the public through its Medical Outreach Program on Tuesday 12 July, 2016, during which inhabitants of Gusau and other communities in its environs will benefit from free medical diagnosis and treatment.
It might interest you to note, that this medical outreach will also take place in all formations of the Nigerian Army concurrently.
There will be a Camp Fire to symbolise the end of the FTX.
Subsequently, there will be an equipment display at the Old Airport, Gusau during which deserving officers and soldiers will be honoured with COAS Commendation Award.
Gentlemen of the press, we have been partners in progress, however, the Nigerian Army still requires more commitment from you in the fight against terrorism.
I must urge you therefore to put national interest above any other consideration and to tread the path of honour by not joining any band wagon to report unverified negativities to the detriment of our national peace and security.
Thank you for your attention.
Tukur Buratai
Chief of Army Staff