The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of Nigerian Army units, specifically the 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment, located within the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment in Biu, Borno State, on October 26, 2023.
During his visit, the Commanding Officers of these units, Lieutenant Colonels Aliyu Garba and Muphtau Arilesere, presented the COAS with comprehensive briefings on the security situation in their respective areas of responsibility, the status of infrastructure, and the challenges faced by the units. One prominent issue emphasized by the Commanders was the need for increased capitation for the Cantonment Medical Reception Station (MRS), which serves both units.
In response to the concerns raised by the Commanders, General Lagbaja directed the immediate enrollment of all personnel and their families in the cantonment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under the Cantonment MRS. This initiative aims to provide access to free medical care, with capitation contingent upon the number of enrollees. Furthermore, the COAS pledged to address the issues related to infrastructure deficiencies within the Cantonment.
General Lagbaja expressed his appreciation to the officers and soldiers of the units for their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in their areas of responsibility. He highlighted the successful restoration of socioeconomic activities in the general area. The COAS also informed the troops about the Federal Government’s intervention to provide support to both serving and deceased personnel and their families. This assistance includes the disbursement of funds to address the backlog of beneficiaries of the Group Life Insurance Scheme and the Nigerian Army Personal Accident Assurance Scheme. He assured the troops that the challenges of inadequate and deteriorating accommodation, as well as infrastructure decay, are receiving prompt attention throughout various formations and units of the Nigerian Army.
General Lagbaja urged the troops to reciprocate the government’s interventions by maintaining their dedication, discipline, and loyalty to the Constitution and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of their commitment to ensuring security and stability in the region.
The Army Chief also visited the 301 Artillery Regiment in Gombe and the 135 Special Forces Battalion in Buratai, where he commended the troops for their gallantry and encouraged them to sustain their efforts in ongoing operations to ensure security.