THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, says he will pay more attention to the issue of inadequate kits and protective gears for soldiers in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Buratai said this during his opening speech at the Chief of Army Staff combined second and third quarters conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Soldiers taking part in counter-insurgency operations in the North East have complained about lack of kits and gears, some saying that they have had to go into the battlefront wearing ordinary slippers because they had no boots.

In a recent investigation sponsored by the ICIR, soldiers in Borno State lamented that they were being owed several months in Salary allowances and that they were once told that the monies being owed them would be used to procure uniforms and protective gears for them.

“We were even once told that part of the money owed us would be used to buy our uniforms. We were also assured of getting camouflage T-shirts, rather, what we were given were Etisalat branded T-shirts. And when the uniforms came, if you get a trouser, you will not get the shirt. If you get camel bag, you will not get knee guard,” a soldier who pleaded anonymity said.

“In NAPEX (Nigerian Army Post Exchange), the store where military uniforms are being sold, each goes for about N25,000. But then, how much is an average soldier’s salary? So, that is why we put on anything we have. And we do that even in the war front. Soldiers who don’t have desert boots and can’t buy a canvass, wear slippers.”

But on Tuesday, Buratai said all that will soon change as he will prioritise the issue of improved welfare, kitting and protective gears for soldiers, especially those taking part in several operations across the country.

He said: “I am aware of the logistics constraints affecting our operations across the country particularly operation LAFIYA DOLE. I am glad to inform you that the President, Commander-in-Chief has assured that all our requests will be given priority and expeditious approval.

“I, therefore, want to emphasize that kitting, protective gear, additional equipment/platforms, accommodation, welfare and other logistics provisioning would be one of my top priorities in the procurement plan for the fourth quarter of the year.

“I must add that it is a command responsibility to ensure good maintenance of equipment and sound administration as well as the welfare of troops and their families

“The Army Headquarters will continue to provide the needed logistics for all ongoing operation. Commanders must also ensure the maintenance and serviceability of equipment in their charge.”

Buratai insists that the war against Boko Haram, as well as the several operations to curb all other forms of crime in the country, has recorded “tremendous achievements”. He called the commanders of the operations to ensure that “these successes must be sustained and consolidated”.

Buratai also frowned at the incidences of drug and substance abuse by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, saying that it poses a serious threat to the operational capabilities and effectiveness of the force.

“There is the need for commanders to be more proactive in identifying the perpetrators of drugs and substance abuse and applying the right sanction to serve as deterrence to others,” he said.

The COAS also announced the establishment of the Nigerian Army Women Corps, which is aimed at “reorganizing the women in order to derive the maximum benefit from their contribution to the defence and security architecture of our country”.

“It is also meant to exploit the inherent competencies and capacities of the female officers and soldiers to meet the contemporary security as well as operation environment in line with best military practice. It would also enable them to aspire to get to the peak of their career without inhibition,” Buratai said.