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Army Chief Lagbaja Affirms Military's Loyalty to Govt Amidst Calls for Overthrow

Esther

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has firmly stated that the Nigerian military will not support any attempts to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu, In a recent address in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.


This declaration was made during the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference on August 27, 2024.

Lagbaja emphasized that the calls for a military takeover are primarily coming from young Nigerians who have no firsthand experience of Nigeria’s extensive history of military rule.


He asserted, “The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power. As the Service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is not poised to losing the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years.”


The Army Chief highlighted the huge support the military has received from both national and sub-national governments, citing the recent acquisition of two BELL UH-1 Huey Helicopters equipped with advanced sensors and enablers for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation.


He also mentioned the procurement of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, rifles, and ammunition to bolster security operations across the country.


Addressing the recent nationwide hunger protest, Lagbaja acknowledged that the situation underscored the importance of food and social security in maintaining national stability.


He noted, “The issue of food security was among the factors that led to the protest.” In response, the Nigerian Army plans to review its agricultural policy to enhance crop production and release grains into the market at subsidized rates.


Lagbaja added, “The Nigerian Army currently provides security cover for farmers in critical farming communities in the North East, North West, and North Central zones to prevent the devastating consequences of a halt in food production.”


Furthermore, the Army is exploring partnerships with various government agencies and reputable private organizations to address the food crisis comprehensively.


Lagbaja revealed, “The Army Headquarters is reviewing some proposals for partnerships with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government and reputable private organizations on how best to collaborate to resolve the food crisis in the country.”


The event was inaugurated by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who expressed his satisfaction with the conference being held in the state and commended the COAS for his leadership. Eno assured the state government’s readiness to support the establishment of a proposed Army base in Akwa Ibom and other logistical needs.




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