Coronavirus: Army orders closure of its schools, training centres

The Nigerian Army has ordered the closure of all its schools and training centres across the country.

The order was issued in a memo signed by the Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun.

According to the memo, the order to close the schools was given by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. TY Buratai, as part of the measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools affected by this order include the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria as well as all Command Primary and Secondary Schools across the country.

The schools will be closed on Thursday, March 19 2020.

The memo also directed the closure of all Army training centres across the country, as well as the suspension of all meetings, briefings, conferences and events involving large gatherings scheduled for 2020.

Lt. Gen. Adeosun revealed that the Nigerian Army has also directed the “suspension of all foreign courses, conferences, seminars and other overseas trips by personnel.”

Physical debriefings of personnel who returned from foreign courses and official assignments have also been suspended and will now be done online.

“Following the rise and continuous spread in cases of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) in Nigeria, the COAS has deemed it necessary for all to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of NA personnel and their families,” he said.

Adeosun said the Army had provided hand sanitizers at strategic locations within the headquarters for easy access and use by personnel, while he urged personnel to ensure regular and thorough hand-washing as well as maintain personal hygiene at home.

He also directed that all personnel be on security alert and present any cases associated with the coronavirus for medical checks and attention.

“Anyone who notices any symptoms associated with the COVID-19 is to immediately report to the nearest military medical post for the check,” he said.