Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has commissioned 30 flats for Corporal Below Quarters at the Maimalari military cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno state, Northeast Nigeria during his operational tour of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said this is part of the continuation of the Chief of Army Staff’s tour of the North East Theatre of Operations.
General Lagbaja is walking his talk and fulfilling his pledge to prioritize troops’ welfare in line with his Command Philosophy, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.“
The newly constructed block of flats is complete with a Living room, two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and toilets, as well as a kitchen in each flat.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the COAS pointed out, that the structure is part of efforts to meet the accommodation demands of troops and their families. He presented keys to soldier beneficiaries of the new accommodation.
General Lagbaja also assured troops that he will sustain the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army, through effective interventions in training, equipment acquisition and infrastructural development across formations and units of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS gave the assurance when he addressed the combined troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Headquarters 7 Division, 7 Division Garrison and 212 Battalion at the 212 Battalion Parade Ground, Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
He affirmed that all welfare issues will be treated with utmost concern. “Be rest assured that what is due to you will get to you. The personal and group life insurance will be taken care of Light, water and other amenities will be provided in your barracks.“
He urged the troops to reciprocate with unhindered adherence to core values of the Nigerian Army and unalloyed loyalty to the constitution and Government of Nigeria.
The COAS also visited the Headquarters 7 Division, where he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as Commander Sector 1 JTF OPHK Maj Gen Peter Mala.
In another development, the Governor of Borno state Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has reiterated the commitment of the Government and good People of Borno state to partner the NA and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the state.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur made the assertion while playing host to the Chief of Army Staff who paid him a courtesy visit during his operational tour of the North East theatre.
The Governor appreciated the significant improvement in the security situation in the state, pointing out that the government is committed to the, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme in the state.
In a remarks the COAS expressed appreciation to the government and people of Borno state for their support and interventions, which he noted, culminated in the level of stability so far attained in the region.
He lauded the roles of the JTF Vigilantes and the Borno people, urging them not to relent in their support to the troops, as they undauntedly fight the cause of humanity.
