Army introduces new language policy for officers, soldiers

• How to unmask sponsors of terrorism, by Olonisakin
The Nigerian Army has introduced a new language policy for officers and soldiers, saying the policy would encourage them to be multilingual in the discharge of their duties across the country.

It also stated that ability to speak the three major Nigerian languages would be an added advantage to those applying for recruitment or commissioning into the Nigerian Army, adding that all personnel were given December 2018 as the deadline to learn the three major Nigerian languages.

A statement signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, in Abuja yesterday said the study of foreign and local languages is a world-wide practice among armies, in which officers and soldiers are encouraged to be multi-lingual.

The statement reads: “The Policy will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with the populace to enhance information gathering, civil-military relations, increase understanding between militaries when operating abroad and assist officers and soldiers to perform their duties professionally.

“Therefore all Nigerian Army personnel have been given one year to learn the three major Nigerian languages. Invariably, by December 2018, all Nigerian Army personnel are expected to learn the three major Nigerian languages.’’

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, has offered an insight on how to unmask sponsors of various acts of terrorism plaguing the country.

The CDS who appeared before Mr. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum led House of Representatives committee on securities remarked that it would require concerted efforts to unearth the identities of those behind the nefarious act.