The annual Chief of Army Staff (COAS) began in Uyo yesterday with both President Goodluck Jonathan and the army chief, Lt General Kenneth Minimah vowing to put an end to the menace of terrorism raging in some states in the Northeast.

In his address, COAS disclosed the conference would produce a 20 years development plan for the army.

Said he: “A major discussion at this Conference will focus on the Nigerian Army Development plan in the next 20 years. Furthermore, topical presentations on Nigerian Army ORBAT, training in the Nigerian Defence Academy, and establishment of Nigerian Army Aviation will be made and deliberated upon during the Conference.”

On the terrorists attacks in the Northeast, Minimah said the conference would overhaul the ongoing war against the outlawed sect.

“The upsurge of terrorism and violent extremism in the North-East of our country has remained the most significant threat facing our dear country today. The Nigerian Army is fully aware of the enormity of this national challenge having fought a 30 month civil war to unite Nigeria and taken part in operations to protect the territorial integrity of other countries which faced similar threats.

Source – Leadership Newspaper