COAS charges soldiers not to travel at night

By Kingsley Chukwuka

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, has advised soldiers (Army Warrant Officers), not to travel at night considering the level of insecurity bedeviling the country.

Yahaya stated this on Thursday in Jos during the Promotion Inauguration Ceremony of Masters Warrant Officers to Army Warrant Officers.

Represented by the Army Chief of Administration, Maj-Gen Wilson Ali, Yahaya also tasked the soldiers not to over-stress themselves during the promotion exercise which requires a physical combat test.

Ali, reading the COAS welcome remarks said the promotion exercise is part of the requirement for promotion to the enviable rank of Army Warrant Officer.

“Promotion to this rank gives you an opportunity to reach the peak of your career in the Nigerian Army and therefore a reflection of what you have learned and the experience you have acquired over the course of your career.

“By virtue of your presence here, you have spent a minimum of 32 years in service which is one of the criteria for your selection.

“You will be expected to go through several processes and activities, which includes documentation, medical test, physical efficiency test. Weapon handling test, written fest and oral interview amongst Others.

“I urge you to put in your best in all the activities lined up and exercise a healthy rivalry all through.

“I also want to caution you not to over exert yourself during the physical exercise to avoid harming yourself. A high standard of discipline is expected of you as it forms part of your overall assessment.

“You must avoid a night journey”, he said.

Our correspondent reports that 410 Master Warrant Officers are participating in the promotional exams that will usher them to the rank of Warrant Officers.

Part of the qualification to be selected for the promotion exercise is that the soldiers would have spent up to 32 years in service, our reporter learnt.

Ali however lauded the Commander Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, for the logistic and administrative arrangement put in place to ensure a seamless and hitch free exercise.