Prepare for ambush in the north-east, Buratai tells cadets

Tukur Buratai, chief of army of staff, says running into ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the north-east are realities.

Buratai said this at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) base camp in Jos, where he addressed 200 cadets of regular course 63, who had concluded their training.

He told the cadets that some of them will be posted to the north-east to join the troops battling insurgency.

“The reality is that in the north-east, you will encounter unexpected ambushes and indeed IEDs (improvised explosive devices), where the Boko Haram terrorists operate,” he said.

“You must be conscious of these threats in the theatre and wherever you operate at the end of your training here.

“And after being commissioned, I am sure some of you will find your way to the north-east. So, you better make up your mind.

“You are going to be relied upon as commission officers; you must maintain that standard of discipline.”

He charged personnel of the army to be committed and keep fit always, saying there is no room for laxity.

He also reminded them that the military had done the country proud and must be ready to continue to in that regard.

“I want to tell you that in the military there is no room for laxity.  You must remain physically fit… Whatever we do, we must do it with precision and a deep sense of commitment.

“One thing that is associated with the military, apart from discipline is exercise to keep fit always.

“I expect you to be at the top at all times, physically.”

The training the cadets underwent in the base included field, leadership, adventure, and a mock war, depicting the situation in the north-east.