The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, has inaugurated a 10-member committee on the planned reform of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
A statement issued by Group Capt. Wap Maigida, Deputy Director of Defence Information and made available to newsmen today in Abuja disclosed this, adding that the committee was mandated to study the doctrines and procedures of the military and come up with workable plans to reform the Armed Forces.
It stated that the committee, which had until Nov. 16 to submit its report, is also expected to recommend short, medium and long term reforms needed to reinvigorate the professionalism of the armed forces.
The statement listed the committee’s terms of reference to include the following:
“Re-appraisal of previous armed forces transformation activities with suggestions for realistic reforms.
“Determining ways of improving on operational efficiency in the services and examine ways of fostering mission-oriented training in the armed forces.
“Evaluate foreign courses that are currently attended by military personnel and suggest ways of ensuring that such courses tally with desired milestones.
“Consider measures for improving on troop’s adherence to Law of Armed Conflicts in Internal Security and Peace Support Operations.
“Determine impediments to effective logistics support and recommend the way forward.
“Identify current constabulary engagements of the military that could be relinquished to the Nigerian Police and other paramilitary organizations.”
The statement stated the committee would also take a critical look at personnel welfare, civil-military relations, policy formulation and implementation and media operations.
It identified participation in UN/AU/ECOWAS missions, personnel spouses and barrack youths, plight of ex-service men, career review as other areas of interest of the committee.