A significant milestone has been reached in the Nigerian Army as Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya retired meritoriously, making way for Major General Taoreed Lagbaja to assume command as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on June 23, 2023.
During his inaugural address, General Lagbaja acknowledged the transformative strides achieved by his predecessor in the NA, including unprecedented procurement of equipment and efficient management of resources. He emphasized that his appointment as the COAS signifies a personal commitment and a calling to drive positive change, working towards the fulfillment of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army. General Lagbaja vowed to serve the nation diligently while upholding the esteemed values of the Nigerian Army.
Throughout his illustrious career, General Lagbaja has held prestigious positions such as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 1st and 82nd Divisions of the Nigerian Army. Prior to his appointment as the 23rd COAS, he served as the Chief of Operations (Army) at the Army Headquarters.
In his farewell speech, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya highlighted the critical nature of his tenure, which required sustaining the offensive against adversaries in a volatile, uncertain, and complex security environment. He commended the collective efforts of the NA and the support received from the government, which led to remarkable successes in combating terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities. He expressed his satisfaction with the improved situation achieved under his leadership.
Lt Gen Yahaya lauded the commitment and dedication of NA personnel, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between services, paramilitary organizations, and other security agencies in effectively addressing security challenges. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by brave officers and soldiers, recognizing that the achievements came at a high cost. Leaving behind a resilient Army capable of confronting any adversary, he urged NA personnel to extend the same support and dedication to his successor.
General Yahaya revealed that the operational achievements of the NA resulted in a significant number of repentant terrorists surrendering in the North East, surpassing the expectations of both international and local observers.
The ceremony’s highlights included the formal signing of handing and taking over notes, the presentation of the command flag, the decoration of the new Army Chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, and the symbolic act of lowering and hoisting the command flag, symbolizing the beginning of a new command era.