By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN— CHIEF of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, Wednesday, in Benin said the Army recognises the emerging challenge of terrorism in the country and has adopted robust measures which, in cooperation with other sister services, will help checkmate the activities of terrorists groups and other criminal elements in the country.

He disclosed that 2012 would witness further adjustments in force structure with emphasis on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. He made this disclosure at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Annual Conference in Benin

He insisted that the Army was not unmindful of the need to adopt new approaches to contend with the current challenges in recognition of the unconventional nature of security threats in the country.

On civil-military relations, he said that the Army recognises the need for healthy civil-military relations, a Department of Civil-Military Affairs has been set up to foster more harmonious relations with the civil society.

He said: “We are mindful of the hitherto negative perception of the Nigerian Army by the general public owing to military involvement in governance in the past. Though the military has helped to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria, its involvement in political governance created an image problem for the Nigerian Army.”

While expressing gratitude to Nigerians for the valuable information they have provided in aid of the operations of the Army, he equally challenged them to continue in the same spirit to get involved in the security of the country and not stand aloof as the security of the nation involves all citizens.