forces brigade that would be dedicated to the fight against terrorism.
President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this during the passing out
parade of Officer Cadets of the 61 Regular Course and Short Service
Course 42 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. Jonathan
said the brigade was designed to tackle new threats to the environment
and align the Armed Forces to greater citizens' protection and
national defence.
The president also promised to honour Armed Forces personnel who may
die in the course of the efforts to safeguard the country.
Jonathan said the decision to establish a special forces brigade was
part of measures to meet the challenge of the burgeoning terrorism. He
commended the fighting spirit of the military men in the war against
insurgency.
The president told the graduating cadets in Kaduna, "The welfare and
safety of the men that will be under your command must therefore be
top priority. You must make it clear to all, that we will execute a
policy of zero tolerance to indiscipline and corruption. The military
we are building is one that must at all times serve our people and our
nation, and not the self...
"Our officers are some of the finest in Africa and among the best in
the world. It is a matter of national pride that our pioneer military
institution has risen to the challenge of meeting the human resource
needs of sister African countries, including the training of officers
from the Republic of Liberia, Uganda, Togo, Central African Republic,
Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. I urge you to exhibit the high standard and
professionalism the NDA is noted for wherever you go."
Jonathan urged the soldiers to be courageous, disciplined, and loyal,
saying, "A career in our Armed Forces is not the place for the
heartless. Our men and women in uniform are bold and brave. They are
our pride and our nation will continue to honour and appreciate those
who stand strong in defence of our country."
He told the soldiers to be guided by the military ethics and the
constitution of the country.
The president extolled the supportive role of families of the Armed
Forces personnel. He made special mention of the female cadets,
saying, "I am fulfilled by my decision to permit regular combatant
training for female cadets and I urge these amazons to remain
steadfast and determined, serving as models of inspiration to younger
women."
Jonathan paid special tribute to the officers and men who put their
lives on the line to defend the country and announced special honours
for those who may die in the process.
"Our nation will not abandon you. We are standing with you," he told
the soldiers, stressing, "On this special occasion, I am directing the
Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute special
honours for our men in uniform who lose their lives in active service.
On no account must our country abandon those who serve her loyally,
and paid the supreme price. This honour is to ensure that their
memories and service live with us and our nation forever."
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