Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Thursday in Owerri restated his commitment to the fight against insecurity in Imo, the Southeast and Nigeria at large.
Addressing newsmen at the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, Owerri, Lagbaja said his visit was part of an operational tour of formations and units of the army.
It was his first visit to Imo since his assumption of office as Nigeria’s 23rd COAS in June 2023.
Lagbaja said the visit was to ascertain the state of army infrastructure in Imo and to access the deployment of troops and ensure an environment conducive to efficiency.
He advised troops of the brigade to reciprocate government’s support by upholding the tenets of discipline, loyalty and hard work while assuring them of improved working conditions.
He also assured Imo people of Nigerian Army’s commitment to their continued security adding that any attempt to disrupt the peace of the state would be met with fierce resistance.
“We will completely exterminate any dissident person or group and ensure that law-abiding citizens go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“Government has ordered that the backlog of benefits of families of our colleagues who departed since 2011 are cleared and we are expecting more equipment to enhance our operations.
“To this end, we must remain committed to our agenda of protecting and defending Nigeria’s sovereignty,’’ Lagbaja said.
He thanked Imo’s Gov. Hope Uzodinma for his continued support as evidenced in his numerous interventions that had boosted the morale of troops and assisted the brigade in the discharge of its duties.
Lagbaja also pledged continued synergy with the state government and with the people of Imo to ensure improved security and defence of the people. (NAN)
