By Augustine Ehikioya
To keep the nation one, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has charged troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA to remain loyal and committed to their constitutional responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, as well as peaceful coexistence of the nation’s citizenry.
He gave the charge during his operational visit to Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army on Tuesday 9 January, 2024.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA) has revealed this.
While addressing the troops, the Army Chief also lauded the resilience and sacrifices of the troops, and cautioned them not to expose themselves to the negative influence of the Social Media, as it has often times “been used to spread false and noxious information, emphasizing the importance of not letting themselves be manipulated into making misguided decisions or indulging in illegalities, contrary to extant regulations and core values of the Nigerian Army.”
According to him, the Nigerian Army as a disciplined and noble profession has zero tolerance for illegalities and will remain an embodiment of discipline and would therefore, not tolerate any form of indiscipline from troops, as they operate in their respective host communities.
The COAS said that the Federal Government has made commendable interventions in the areas of troops’ welfare and provision of combat enablers.
The government, he said, has settled the backlog of unpaid Group Life Assurance that had accumulated since 2011.
He also revealed that the NA has equally commenced the payment of troops’ Accident Insurance, adding that it is imperative for troops to reciprocate these motivating welfare interventions by remaining loyal, disciplined and upscaling their operational effectiveness in the fight against security challenges in the country.
On the trip, the COAS also paid tribute to the people and Government of Enugu and Ebonyi States for their support and cordial relationship with troops of 82 Division of the NA.
Gen Lagbaja gave the accolades when he paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu and Ebonyi States Governors, Barrister Peter Mbah and his Ebonyi counterpart Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila.
Speaking during the visit, the Governors, while acknowledging that peace has progressively returned to their respective states, lauded the troops for their commitment in ensuring “the restoration of peace and stability which has provided the enabling environment for socio-economic development in the states.”
The COAS later visited the 24 Support Engineer Regiment in Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Ebonyi State, where he reiterated that the troops must remain steadfast and dedicated to duty as the NA is untiringly working to provide conducive working and living environment for all troops.
Highpoint of the COAS’ visit was the unveiling of the remodeled Headquarters 82 Division Complex, commissioning of some renovated and remodelled projects within the cantonment, including two blocks of 36 mini flats at the Corporal Below Quarters, the new Dragon Officers’ Mess and a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Officers’ Transit Accommodation.
The COAS also commissioned a newly built Squadron Office at 24 Engineer Support Regiment in Nkwagu Military Cantonment.
