No Individual, Groups Can Threaten Our Resolve as A Democratic Nation – COASThe Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has assured Nigerians the Army will not relent in its mandate of dealing decisively with individuals or groups who want to subvert Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy and peace.General Yahaya who made the remarks at the opening of the First Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference and Research Exhibition at the Command Officers Mess 1 Asokoro Abuja noted that, concerted efforts, commitments and dedication to duty by field commanders, officers and soldiers to ensure successes in various operations are very commendable.He further emphasized that troops’ adherence to all guidelines and implementation of decisions taken were largely responsible for the success of the last general elections.On the issue of the IPOB/ESN insurrection in the Southeast, General Yahaya assured that no group would be allowed to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process.“the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections across the country including in the South East despite the sense of insecurity created by criminal elements in the region, is a testament to our resolve to ensure security in the entire nation.”The Nigerian Army will continue to perform its constitutional roles in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies as well as civil authorities in the region”In the South-South region, the Army Chief noted that the efforts of the rejuvenated joint operations in the region have led to the discovery and destruction of several illegal oil refining camps and arrest of criminal suspects.”These anti-illegal bunkering operations have significantly increased crude oil production in the country to over 1.3 million barrels per day as affirmed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC as at March, 2023.”General Yahaya also announced the operationalization of three maneuver brigades namely, 12 Brigade Lokoja, 18 Brigade Bida and 26 Brigade Dutse in addition to several Units and Forward Operating Bases for the security of the general areas.The Army Chief equally announced the newly established COAS welfare and loan schemes that would take care of the immediate needs of soldiers and their families.“This is a scheme where interested officers and soldiers are granted interest free soft loans. Similar schemes are afoot to facilitate interested soldiers own houses on specially arranged affordable mortgages. I believe those schemes and many more to come will further contribute to enhance our overall welfare packages for the Nigerian Army personnel.”The event featured exhibitions of latest advancements in Science and Technology by the Nigerian Army and its partners.High point of the occasion was the presentation of brand-new Hilux vehicles to Regimental Sergeant Majors of various formations and units of the Nigerian Army.