Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has ordered troops to “defeat the adversaries of our people and take back every inch of space where they are occupying in our land.”
He delivered the speech after the Nigerian Army’s valiant soldiers paid the ultimate price to defend the nation during an encounter with terrorists in the Zungeru general area of Niger state.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Bamidele Alabi, briefed the COAS on Wednesday about the current security situation at Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro LGA of Niger state, according to a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu.
Lagbaja had arrived Minna, Niger state capital, late night Tuesday 15 August 2023 and on Wednesday he immediately moved to FOB Erena in Shiroro.
Addressing the troops, the COAS urged them to “rally together and be more resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees and restore sanity in troubled areas.
“He maintained that the fight against insurgents and bandits is a just cause, in defence of Nigerians and the nation.
According to the Army Chief, “Protecting lives and defending your nation are the noblest service anyone can offer.
“You are therefore in the noble profession of arms and must not allow your morale to dwindle.
“We must defeat the adversaries of our people and take back every inch of space where they are hibernating in our land”, he added.
Gen Lagbaja assured the troops that he will do all within available resources to give Nigerian Army personnel and their families the best in terms of welfare.
He disclosed, that this is topmost in the pillars of his Command Philosophy.
He directed the immediate reinforcement of the troops with additional combat enablers to enhance their operational effectiveness
