The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has disclosed that the Nigerian Army will not despair but continue projecting it’s offensive into the enclaves of terrorists to prevent them in the production of suicide vests and other forms of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as parts of its effort to stem the security challenges bedeviling the Nation.
He hinted that Troops of the Nigerian Army have continued to make in-roads the hideouts of terrorists where arms and other high-calibre were recovered with many of the Terrorists neutralized. He said the Nigerian Army is working closely with the intelligence community to ensure that troops are steps ahead of the Terrorists before they get into the Communities to carry out their dastardly acts.
He made the disclosures during an interaction with the Media in Jos, the Plateau State Capital as part of the activities line up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024.
He posited that the Nigerian Army will not rest on its oar until peace is restored.
He said the Nigerian Army recorded tremendous success in its operations against Boko Haram and other security threats.

On the Gwoza Bombings, the Army Boss said the Army is putting sound measures toward averting similar unfortunate attacks in the future.
He said from intelligence reports, 15 suicide Bombers were on assignment to kill innocent Citizens but the Military was able to avert the situation that would have led to a more fatal situation as only 3 were able to detonate their bombs though the Military is not comfortable with that.
“We are saddened by these occurrences and we have up our antic to prevent a reoccurrence.
He said as the Military is raising the bar of securing the Nation, stakeholders and peace loving Nigerians should also join in raising the bar of security alertness so that collectively the terrorists can be prevented from inflicting casualties on innocent Civilians. He said there is need for internal vigilance of the war against insurgency is to be won.
He said having suffered major defeat and setbacks, the Terrorists now resort to suicide bombings on innocent Citizens at places with large gatherings. He called for the reintroduction of hand held scanners and other detections to prevent the suicide Bombers and other criminal elements from infiltrating communities at will.
The Army Top Officer said Nigerian Army has opened itself to public scrutiny. He said the Army has prioritized enlightenment of troops on the need to deploy maximum restrain and be adequately disciplined as they conduct their duties.
“Nigerian Army is guided by rules of engagement and code of conduct”
He assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with State Governors to secure all States of the Federation.

He said Troops are working in challenging operational environment to achieve sustainable peace and Development all over the Nation.

He said though the Nigerian Army has the primary constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the Nation against external aggression, it will not relent in its secondary role of restoring law and order when there is a breakdown.
He commended the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Police and other security agencies for the support to the Nigerian Army towards the actualization of a more safer and secure nation where prosperity will thrive among the Citizens.

He lauded Army personnel for demonstrating professionalism and discipline in carrying out their operations especially protection of civilians and critical national infrastructures which they do in tandem with their rules of engagement.
He charged the public to furnish the Nigerian Army with information that will help them in achieving a safer and secure nation.
He said he will not relent on achieving his command philosophy of which is “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated Force toward achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”

He commended the media for their roles in peace building describing them as partners in progress. He urged them to concentrate on objective reportage.

He appreciated the support being accorded the Nigerian Army by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the priority given to families of personnel who died in active service to the Nation.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major General Onyema Nwachukwu hinted that the engagement will afford the Media Executives the opportunity to get insight on the activities of the Nigerian Army.

The engagement had in attendance top Army Officers, reputable and renowned Media Executives across Nigeria.

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“Army Will Continue to Project Offensives into the Enclaves of the Terrorists to Secure Nigerians” – COAS Lt. Gen. Lagbaja