Following a recent clash between troops and insurgents in the Zungeru general area of Niger state, during which valiant soldiers of the Nigerian Army made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, arrived in Mina, the capital of Niger state, late on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Today, he promptly proceeded to the Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state, where he received a comprehensive security update from Major General Bamidele Alabi, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division. #COAS
Directly addressing the troops after the briefing, as evident in pictures made availabele to Defence Correspondents, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu the Army Spokesman said the COAS encouraged them to unite and exhibit increased determination in quelling the nation’s adversaries, thus reinstating stability in troubled regions. He emphasized that the battle against insurgents and bandits is a righteous pursuit, undertaken to safeguard the lives of Nigerians and the integrity of the country. The Army Chief affirmed, “Defending your nation and protecting its people represent the highest form of service one can render. You are engaged in the noble profession of arms, and it is imperative not to let your spirits wane. We must overcome the challenges posed by those who threaten our society and reclaim every portion of our land where they seek refuge.”
General Lagbaja provided the troops with the assurance that he will leverage available resources to offer the best possible welfare to the personnel of the Nigerian Army and their families. He underlined that this commitment holds a prominent position within his Command Philosophy. He also mandated the immediate reinforcement of the troops with supplementary combat support to enhance their operational efficacy.
