The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, today received several rounds of accolades at the commissioning ceremony of the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP) New office complex, in which he was the Special Guest of Honour.
Delivering his welcome address at the occasion held at the Shehu Musa Yaradu’a Barracks, the Acting Provost Marshal (Army), Brigadier General H. Ahmed, emphasized that the ceremony was in furtherance of the vision of the COAS to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
He described the COAS as one held so dear in the hearts of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, and by whose visionary leadership and incomprehensible magnanimity, the way has been paved for the successful completion of the project, transforming the dream into a reality.
Giving a brief overview of the project, the Acting Provost Marshal (Army) recounted that at the time of his appointment in April, 2018, the structure, which was first initiated by the former Provost Marshal (Army), Maj. Gen. Pat Akem, to enable the NACMP own a befitting complex in Abuja, was only in its carcass stage.
It was his determination to complete the legacy that led him to approach the COAS, who immediately deployed resources that has made the occasion a reality.
The complex, at the time he assumed office was meant to be a one-storey building to house 22 offices and a conference hall, while the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) complex lacked requisite structures and standardized investigation facilities.
These, he said, fell short of the COAS’s building standards and did not meet the core futuristic expansion plans.
However, with the COAS’s gracious gestures, the Corps Headquarters has been expanded to house 54 offices, 3 large conference rooms, a library, 4 interrogation rooms and viewing areas and a forensic laboratory.
The Acting Provost Marshal (Army) assured the Chief of Army Staff of the judicious utilization of the structures with a view to attaining his (COAS’s) vision, while using the opportunity to draw his attention to the Basawa Cantonment, Zaria, and craving his indulgence to intervene in the area.
He expressed optimism that a visit by the COAS to the cantonment, like a Midas’ Touch, will turn things around for officers and soldiers in particular, and the community in general. He reiterated the unalloyed loyalty and sincere commitment of the NACMP to the attainment of the vision of the COAS.
In his address as the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Buratai expressed pride in the Nigerian Army for working tirelessly and making the best use of the resources to ensure that the edifice is a reality.
He thanked the Acting Provost Marshal (Army), and gave assurances of a positive intervention regarding the Basawa Cantonment. He also thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for his support to the Army and assured of their loyalty and dedication to service of the fatherland.
Highlights of the event were the unveiling of the plaque, the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Headquarters complex and the remodeled Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) by COAS.
