The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has averred that the Nigerian Army (NA) is currently undergoing vigorous transformation at various levels to meet its mandate and confront emerging security challenges.
The Army Chief made the assertion Wednesday, 11 October 2023, while addressing troops at the Headquarters 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja noted that the Nigerian Army had received support from the Federal Government in the form of logistics, combat enablers, and welfare support schemes to motivate troops for optimal operational efficiency.
Cataloguing the interventions received from Government, the COAS mentioned them to include clearing the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme payments to next-of-kins of deceased personnel, implementation of the NA Accident Insurance scheme, and sponsorship cum scholarships for children and wards of personnel, who paid the supreme price.
Others are free welfare flights for troops on the front line, medical evacuation of personnel wounded in action for treatment, both overseas and locally, as well as operationalisation of Nigerian Army Aviation with the recent procurement of quantity 12 MD Cayuse Helicopters.
The COAS, who charged the troops to reciprocate the Federal Government’s support by remaining loyal to the Constitution and Government of the Federation, also lauded them for their continued onslaught against security threats, and for upholding the integrity of the Division’s area of responsibility, thereby enabling peace and harmony in North West Nigeria.
He further assured them that the challenges confronting the Division would receive appropriate attention, adding that troops’ welfare is paramount in his agenda.
He called on the troops not to be left behind in the wave of transformation billowing across the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Maj Gen Bamidele Alabi had briefed the COAS on the operational, training, and administrative activities of the Division, as well as the security situation in the Division’s area of responsibility. He added, however, that the situation is relatively calm and stable.
The Army Chief later commissioned the newly constructed Headquarters Central Ordnance Depot Administrative office complex in the cantonment. While inaugurating the office complex, Gen Lagbaja affirmed that the Central Ordnance Depot will be rejuvenated to provide requisite logistics support to troops on the frontline in the current effort to enhance their operational efficiency.
He commended the Commander of the Depot, Brigadier General Yahya Yinusa for the successful completion of the edifice, and equally embarked on a working tour of 81 Battalion, Letmauck Cantonment, Mokola, Ibadan, where he received a brief on the activities and challenges of the Battalion.
