Defence
COAS lauds commanders, troops for operational successes
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt,-Gen. Farouk Yahaya has commended Nigerian Army field commanders and troops for their operational successes in various theatres of operation across the country.
Gen. Yahaya gave the commendation on Tuesday at the opening of the Third Quarter COAS Conference 2022 holding in Abuja.
He noted that kinetic actions in the Northeast theatre of operations had continued to dismantle the cohesion of insurgents resulting in their massive surrenders.
The surrenders, he also noted had impacted positively on the morale of troops and greatly bolstered the confidence of citizens.
Yahaya stressed that efforts must be geared towards leveraging on the gains so far recorded to stamp out terrorism and banditry permanently.
He said the recent successful hosting of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in the Southeast also impacted positively on the security situation in the geopolitical zone.
He observed that troops had continued to take decisive actions against secessionists.
The COAS assured that the army would continue to perform its roles professionally in collaboration with other services and security agencies as well as with state and local government authorities.
In the South-South region, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had continued to perform creditably with rejuvenated joint operations leading to the arrest of many suspects and their sponsors.
He noted that concerted efforts were ongoing to ensure that the nation derived maximum revenue from its oil ventures in the region.
Yahaya also told the conference that in the Southwest geo-political zone, the army had continued to contribute positively to the maintenance of a calm security situation in the area.
According to him, security arrangements in the region have been reinforced in collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly in the wake of the unfortunate incursion by terrorists into the region.
“More successes are envisaged in the region in the days ahead as concerted efforts are being undertaken to track and apprehend criminals and their sponsors.
“Our offensive operations in the Northwest and North Central geo-political zones have also been intensified.
“Accordingly, troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force have continued to neutralise bandits and destroy their hideouts in recently-launched onslaughts such as `Operation Desert Sanity’.
“As troops continue to sustain the offensives on bandits and terrorists, efforts are ongoing to enhance training and inject more manpower and game-changing equipment into all theatres of operations,” Yahaya stressed.
The COAS said the conference would provide an important platform to further appraise the army’s performance and bring in fresh ideas to enhance its activities on all fronts.
He urged commanders and commanding officers from the manoeuvre and other arms and services to advance new strategies from the conference.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56.
According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Army Chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu extended heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his “significant contributions to the nation.”
The President wished the late General eternal peace and recognized his dedicated service during this difficult time for the military and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), clarifying that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.
Gusau emphasised that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a few minutes prior to the statement, confirming that the Army Chief is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are performing their duties in line with the Constitution,” Gusau said.
He also clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
Gusau urged individuals spreading false information to desist immediately, reassuring the public that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties after his leave.”
He further called on media outlets to verify information with appropriate authorities before disseminating false reports.
In a strong warning, Gusau noted that any calls for a military takeover are treasonous under the Constitution, adding that “The Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.”
He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country is a direct result of President Tinubu’s support for the military and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Gusau concluded by stating that the military, alongside relevant security agencies, has been mandated to act against any individuals or groups advocating unconstitutional changes in governance.
“The CDS appreciates the continued support and prayers of Nigerians. Victory is assured,” he said.
Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.
Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.
In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.
He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.
“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.
The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.
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