The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, conducted a working tour of the 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility on Friday, September 6, 2024, as part of efforts to assess and boost counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in North West Nigeria.
According to Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, upon arriving at the 17 Brigade Headquarters in Katsina, accompanied by principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters, General Lagbaja received a briefing on the security situation and operational status from Brigade Commander Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola.
Addressing the troops, General Lagbaja emphasized his commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and welfare, in line with his command philosophy of providing efficient leadership and sound administration. He highlighted several welfare initiatives aimed at improving the morale and living conditions of personnel and their families, including the payment of the backlog of the Group Life Assurance scheme, the introduction of the Affordable Housing Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) post-service housing scheme, and the launch of the COAS Loan Schemes for economic empowerment. Additionally, the COAS noted ongoing upgrades to medical facilities, barracks, and infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, as well as the provision of combat enablers to support operations against insurgents. He urged the troops to intensify their efforts and take the fight to the terrorists’ hideouts.
During his visit, General Lagbaja also toured the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he met with sick soldiers and their families, and directed the installation of essential medical equipment. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Brigade Headquarters Cenotaph.
Later, General Lagbaja visited Katsina State Governor Dr. Dikko Umar Radda at the Government House. The Governor reported that security in the state has significantly improved, with farmers returning to their fields, attributing the progress to the joint efforts of security agencies. Governor Radda encouraged communities to continue supporting the military with credible information, stressing the importance of public cooperation for the success of ongoing operations.
General Lagbaja also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the Emir of Katsina, where he acknowledged the vital role of traditional institutions in mobilizing community support for the military’s efforts to eliminate security threats.
Additionally, the COAS extended his condolences to the Yar’Adua family over the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, whom he described as a virtuous matriarch of the Nigerian Army family. During his visit to the family, including Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, General Lagbaja expressed the shared grief of the Nigerian Army, recognizing the family’s contribution to the military through their distinguished service.
