National Security: Nigerian Army reviews strategies to deal with emerging threats
By Lawrence Audu
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has assured that the Nigerian Army remains resolute towards defending the terroritorial integrity of the nation while upholding constitutional order.
General Lagbaja who gave the assurance while declaring open the 2nd and 3rd Quarter 2023 Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja tasked commanders to brainstorm and holistically review Army operations and related activities across the Country and internationally with a view to refining some of our strategies to be in tune with the fast- changing security and strategic environments.
“We must continue to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects us as a committed force.”
Reinstating his Command Philosophy to “transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained force, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.” The Army said the Philosophy will guide and drive the actions and engagements of the Nigerian Army into becoming a force ready to operate and respond to any form of threat in any domain and spectrum, within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria through joint efforts.
On troops’ welfare, General Lagbaja said troops’ welfare and that of their families will remain predominant while consolidating all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of troops and their families, as this will keep them focused on their tasks.
“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high- quality post-service homes for our soldiers work. We shall also ensure that our injured warriors get the best medical care and continue to support the widows and next-of-kins of our fallen heroes.”
Reeling out some of the notable operations of the Nigerian Army, the General Lagbaja averred that activities in Operation HADIN KAI in the North East have effectively curtailed Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the Region.
Read Also: Dikwa Visits Niger Gov, Presents Revenue Generation, Improvement Strategies
He noted that overall, the efforts have resulted in the large-scale surrender of members of the terrorist groups and the submission of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“The good people of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States are steadily picking up their livelihood as the military, in collaboration with the government, is helping to restore governance to the hitherto deprived areas.
“The operational activities of our troops in Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH have also greatly checkmated banditry and insurgency in the North West and North Central Regions of the Country.
“We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South East Region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network. Through Operation UDO KA, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit-at-home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the Region. Law-abiding citizens of the Region now go about their businesses and everyday life.
“Similarly, our joint efforts with various government agencies have quelled attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South West Region. Our troops’ upscaled anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in Operation DELTA SAFE in the South South Region have also yielded tremendous outcomes.” He adds.
General Lagbaja announced the establishment of some Special Forces units using specially trained personnel to tackle various criminalities across the Country to further enhance operational effects.
The Special Forces units he said, have continued to record impressive performances through intelligence-led operations and the use of special equipment. He assured of the procurement and induction of more sophisticated platforms and equipment into the various theatres as force multipliers. He therefore charged field commanders to ensure the maintenance of these platforms and equipment to prolong their life span and enable the nation to optimize its investment.
The Chief of Army Staff’s quarterly conferences are designed to provide a veritable platform to review the conduct of the Nigerian Army’s administrative, training, logistics, and operational activities and other key issues relating to the service within a quarter.
