The Nigerian Army, NA, is currently undergoing vigorous, rare operational, administrative, and structural transformation to shore up its capabilities and efficiency in confronting emerging security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja said this when he addressed the Headquarters 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.
General Lagbaja noted that since he assumed office, the Nigerian Army has continued to receive the support of the Nigerian Government in the form of logistics, combat enablers, and welfare support schemes to motivate troops for optimal operational efficiency.
He said that the interventions received from the government include, clearing the backlog of Group Life Insurance scheme payment to Next of Kins of deceased personnel, Implementation of the NA Accident Insurance scheme, Sponsorship cum scholarships for children and wards of personnel, who paid the supreme price. Others include 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 the operationalization of Nigerian Army Aviation with the recent procurement of quantity 12 MD Cayuse Helicopters.
The Army Chief therefore urged the troops to reciprocate the Nigerian Government’s support by remaining loyal to the Constitution and the Government of the Federation.
General Lagbaja lauded the troops for continuing to neutralise security threats and upholding the integrity of the Division’s area of responsibility, thereby enabling peace and harmony in North West Nigeria.
He assured them that the challenges confronting the Division would receive appropriate attention and that troops’ welfare was paramount in his agenda.
General Lagbaja called on the troops not to be left behind in the wave of transformation billowing across the Nigerian Army.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Major General 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 said however, that the situation is relatively calm and stable.
The Army Chief later commissioned 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.
General Lagbaja 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.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
