Intensify Efforts in Tackling Insecurity, Safeguarding Civilians – Lagbaja Tasks Commanders
By Lawrence Audu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged Nigerian Army (NA) Field Commanders to ramp up their efforts in addressing security challenges and enhancing the protection of Nigerian citizens from unconventional threats plaguing the nation.
General Lagbaja gave the remarks at the closing of the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2023 held at the Command Guest House in Maiduguri, Borno State.
General Lagbaja emphasized the need for immediate reinforcement of measures aimed at bolstering military operations and ensuring the safety and security of the populace in the face of unconventional threats.
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He further urged commanders to craft comprehensive strategies to decisively confront adversaries within their Areas of Responsibilities while exercising restraint in dealing with law-abiding citizens, as mandated by the constitution.
The COAS’s directive comes on the heels of comprehensive intelligence updates and a thorough review of operations across the country during the conference, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing the complex security landscape in Nigeria. General Lagbaja’s call to action underscores the Army’s determination to effectively tackle security challenges and protect civilians from unconventional threats, reflecting the NA’s dedication to fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
General Lagbaja stated that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, all commanders should do all within their ambit to enhance operations in a manner that justifies the resources committed to the nation’s security. The COAS averred that the conference provides participants with veritable platforms to review NA’s past achievements, assess current challenges, and strategize for the future in the broader context of national security.
The COAS further stressed that the conference has afforded the NA quality time to review its training, operations, and administrative activities that directly relate to the theme of the conference which is ”Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a Joint Environment.” He added that deliberations at the conference have addressed various issues relating to troops’ morale, physical and conceptual components of NA fighting power and lecture during the conference has further re-enforced the importance of whole-of-society approach in the successful conduct of NA operations to mitigate security challenges.
General Lagbaja noted that the task ahead of the military is enormous, consequently, efforts must be made to improve communication channels with other security agencies, where there are ongoing internal security operations to create a secure environment for good governance and economic prosperity for Nigerians.
In conformity with one of the cardinal pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy, which is “sound administration”, General Lagbaja presented cheques to officers and soldiers wounded in combat through the Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme. The scheme caters for the medical bills of personnel wounded in combat.
The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his staunch support to the NA and assured of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the NA to the defence of democracy and upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The COAS Annual Conference 2023 has drawn to a close, leaving in its wake a resolute call to action for NA Field Commanders to intensify their efforts in combating insecurity and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian citizens in the face of unconventional threats.
