The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued a resolute directive for soldiers to take strong action against insurgents and criminal elements responsible for unrest and insecurity across the nation.
This directive comes in response to the recent clash between troops and insurgents in Zungeru, located in the Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State. Tragically, this encounter resulted in the loss of 21 soldiers.
A statement released by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, revealed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja conveyed this directive during his visit to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Erena, situated in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. During his visit, he was briefed on the prevailing security situation by Major General Bamidele Alabi, the General Officer Commanding of the 1 Division.
The COAS strongly encouraged the troops to “stand united and resolute in their efforts to subdue the nation’s adversaries and reestablish order in the affected regions.”
Lagbaja underscored that the “fight against insurgents and bandits is a noble cause, a defense of fellow Nigerians and the nation itself. Safeguarding lives and protecting the nation is the highest form of service one can render. As members of the honorable profession of arms, your morale must remain steadfast.”
He emphasized, “We must overcome those who threaten our citizens and regain control over every inch of our territory that they have infiltrated.”
Furthermore, he assured the troops of his commitment to providing the best possible welfare for Nigerian Army personnel and their families. He promptly ordered the reinforcement of troops with additional combat resources to amplify their operational effectiveness.
In a separate development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reiterated the Armed Forces’ dedication to the well-being of military personnel. He emphasized that wounded soldiers will receive exceptional care, including the option of overseas medical treatment if required.
General Musa conveyed these sentiments during his visit to wounded soldiers undergoing treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
He commented, “Such visits to military hospitals are regular occurrences, aimed at boosting the morale of personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation, and observing their recovery progress.”
General Musa emphasized the pivotal role of troops in combating insecurity and criminality. He stated, “We stand united with them and offer our prayers for their swift recovery. We are committed to ensuring they receive optimal care. If necessary, we are prepared to facilitate their treatment abroad for procedures that cannot be performed locally.”
The Chief Medical Director, medical staff, and supporting personnel were commended for their professionalism and maintaining a conducive healthcare environment.
