Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reassured Nigerians that the service personnel are determined to completely eradicate terrorists, bandits, and other threats. Nigeria has been afflicted by numerous security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, resulting in the loss of lives, abduction of many, and displacement of citizens.
The Army Chief added that the service was focused and determined to bring peace to the country. In his Easter message on Sunday, Lagbaja noted that the service had recorded successes in the ongoing operations against terrorism and banditry among others. He said: ‘The Nigerian Army remains committed, determined, and focused on ensuring the total defeat of insurgents, marauding bandits, and all other forms of external and internal aggressions disturbing the peace of the country.’
‘Accordingly, under my leadership, the Nigerian Army has continued to record tremendous successes in various operations at home and abroad. You all can attest to our achievements so far, especially in the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and other internal security operations nationwide. While urging all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to use the season to pray for our continued successes, I wish our Christian faithful and, indeed, all Nigerian Army personnel and their families a wonderful and Happy Easter Celebration.’
The COAS stated that he had provided the needed training and resources for his men to tackle the insecurity ravaging the country. ‘In line with my command philosophy, ‘To transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly-motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities’, I have ensured the implementation of quality training and equipping toward combating the myriads of security threats confronting the nation,” he said.
He assured his men that he would prioritise their welfare and training. ‘As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation, I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment, will always be prioritized to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively. I, however, charge personnel of the service to use the Easter celebration to offer prayers against all forms of negative forces militating against the peace and progress of Nigeria’, Lagbaja concluded.