In a resounding call to action, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), has charged Field Commanders of the Nigerian Army (NA) to leverage the insights gained during the recently concluded CoAS Annual Conference held in Maiduguri.
In an official statement Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the directive follows a comprehensive review of NA intelligence and nationwide operational assessments, urging commanders to escalate their efforts in addressing security challenges and enhancing the protection of civilians from unconventional threats plaguing the nation.
The call to action was delivered by General Lagbaja during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 at the Command Guest House in Maiduguri, Borno State. He emphasized the immediate need for reinforcing measures to bolster military operations and ensure the safety of citizens. Furthermore, General Lagbaja urged commanders to formulate comprehensive plans to decisively confront adversaries within their Areas of Responsibilities, while exercising restraint in interactions with law-abiding citizens, as mandated by the constitution.
In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, General Lagbaja urged all commanders to optimize their resources to enhance operations, emphasizing the significance of justifying the nation’s investment in security. He highlighted the conference’s role as a platform for reviewing past achievements, assessing current challenges, and strategizing for the future within the broader context of national security.
The COAS underscored the conference’s focus on “Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a Joint Environment,” stating that it provided an opportunity to evaluate training, operations, and administrative activities. General Lagbaja stressed that the discussions addressed issues such as troop morale, the physical and conceptual aspects of NA fighting power, and emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approach to successfully mitigate security challenges.
Recognizing the enormity of the military’s task, General Lagbaja emphasized the necessity of improving communication channels with other security agencies engaged in internal security operations. This collaboration aims to create a secure environment conducive to good governance and economic prosperity for Nigerians.
In adherence to the CoAS Command Philosophy’s pillar of “sound administration,” General Lagbaja presented cheques to officers and soldiers wounded in combat through the Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme. This scheme ensures the coverage of medical expenses for personnel injured in the line of duty.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the NA, General Lagbaja thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support. He reassured the President of the NA’s steadfast loyalty and commitment to the defense of democracy and upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
