The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, announced that the Nigerian Army has effectively tackled security threats in all regions of the country, ensuring national security. The announcement was made during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation media chat for the third quarter of 2024, themed “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” held in Makurdi.
Represented by Major Gen. Hilary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja outlined the Nigerian Army's intensified operations across the country. Tailored strategies were employed to address unique security challenges in various regions, yielding significant successes.
Key Achievements Highlighted:
- Terrorism Combat: The neutralization of numerous terrorists and their leaders.
- Rescue Operations: Successful rescue missions leading to the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
- Economic Impact: Enhanced crude oil production and food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
- Disaster Response: The activation of emergency response capabilities, notably in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri, where the army demonstrated its efficiency.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja reiterated the importance of media cooperation, urging balanced and responsible reporting. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is committed to upholding human rights, democratic principles, and press freedom, while fostering a strong relationship with the media to ensure national security and socio-economic development.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, stressed the importance of civil cooperation in the success of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic operations, which are focused on gaining public support for their constitutional duties. The Nigerian Army recognizes that civilian collaboration is essential for operational effectiveness and success.
