NADCEL 2024: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja Reaffirms Army’s Commitment to Defending Nation’s Territorial Integrity

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will remain committed to its vision which is “To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interest and Accomplish other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority”
He said the accomplishment of this responsibility demands that the Army make the ultimate sacrifice and provide selfless service to enhance the security of lives and property of the Citizenry.

He made these known on Saturday 6th July, 2024 during the grand Finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 which held at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, Plateau State.

In line with the theme of the NADCEL 2024 “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment” he said the Nigerian Army has been deployed in all States of the Federation to contain different violent armed groups threatening the peace of law-abiding Nigerians.
According to him, the experience of the Nigerian Army in its ongoing operations nationwide has continued to highlight the significance of a whole-of-society approach to its efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of Nigerians to support their actions.

The Army Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Army has expanded and deepened its training activities for operational effectiveness. He said the measures have enable the Army to successfully contain the activities of bandits in the North-west while the heinous crimes of Boko Haram Terrorists have been brought to to an all-time low.
He said “We are not oblivious to how badly our people require and demand security of their lives and property across the nation, and we are focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to our dear nation and its people within the shortest practicable time”
He emphasized that the Army is committed to the welfare of its troops as demonstrated on the launch of the Affordable Housing for All (AHOOAS) scheme that would provide subsidized housing for troops when they leave the Army.
He hinted that over 500 apartments have been built for the men and women of the Nigerian Army who have subscribed to the AHOOAS scheme. In his words “We are not oblivious of the plight of soldiers who have become disabled in the course of operations to defend the nation. Therefore, a portion of the houses have been specifically reserved for this category of personnel”
He further stated that the Nigerian Army has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of Group Life Assurance scheme to dependents of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria as approved by Mr President. Hw said “I want to assure Mr President that this gesture has greatly increased morale in our barracks throughout the country. We greatly appreciate the leadership Mr President, members of the National Assembly and the Honourable Minister of Defence and his staff for their continuous support and prompt attendance to our needs.
“We also appreciate the support and collaboration of the Defence Headquarters under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, our sister Services, and other security agencies and other organizations whose collaboration and synergy has enabled the gains made so far by the Nigerian Army”
The Army Boss appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his strategic guidance and the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He highlighted the activities undertaken by the Nigerian Army to mark its 161 Years of existence to include organizing literary competition for children in Primary and Secondary Schools as well as tertiary Institutions across Nigeria, lectures on topical issues, medical outreaches, commissioning of several quick impact projects in communities in Plateau State to elicit their support and cooperation, hosting of Army Veterans to a happy hour, interaction with Media Executives, golf tournament and others.

In his remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR the Special Guest of Honour who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni lauded the critical role the Army is playing in the security and development of Nigeria through the patriotic and selfless services rendered by troops.
He said the Army is making huge daily sacrifices to keep the Nation safe despite the security challenges bedeviling the Nation.
He said his administration is committed to building and supporting an Army that will fulfill its constitutional duty.
He hinted that the Federal Government purchased helicopters and other military hardwares to help them carry out their constitution duties professionally to defend the Nation, its territorial integrity and populace.
He urged the Nigerian Army to evolve to meet the changing World and challenges by deploying strategies to ensure that violent groups do not overwhelm law-abiding Nigerians.
He called for better synergy and greater collaboration between the Army and other security agencies to ensure Nigerians are safe at their workplaces, highways, markets, worship places and homes.

He reassured of the support of the Federal Government to ensure insecurity is nip in the bud.
He congratulated the Nigerian Army for its gallantry and professionalism since its came to existence 161 Years ago.

The event was graced by the Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, other Service Chiefs, Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Taraba State Lt. Col. Kefas Agbu (Rtd), Heads of other Security Agencies in the State, Traditional Rulers, Chairman Senate Committee on Defence Sen. Ahmed Lawan, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, Families and Friends of the Army.

Highlights of the Grand Finale of the NADCEL 2024 were file pass, physical training by Instructors, display of Army operational assets, commissioning of two Newly acquired Army Helicopters by the Representative of the President; Chief of Army Staff commendation awards to deserving Officers and Soldiers for hard work, exemplary lifestyles, exceptional leadership display of integrity and uncommon commitment.