Insecurity: COAS Lagbaja assures of changing narrative, drives robust strategic approach

By S Adamu, Sokoto

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja on Wednesday reassures that the Nigeria Army will continue to remain focused in its drive to change the security narrative in the country through robust implementation of kinetic and non kinetic strategies that span it lines and measures of operations.

According to the Army Chief ” the best approach to dealing with contemporary security challenges in the country is by ensuring synergy that drives the collective strength of individuals and organisations to defeat the common enemy.”

Lagbaja spoke as the Guest of Honour while declaring open  the 2023 Nigeria Army Civil-Miliatry Cooperation 4th Quarter Media Chat held at the 8 Division of the Nigeria  Army Sokoto Command Guest House.

” Only collective efforts will guarantee the effective decimation of insecurity and restoration of peace in the country”, he pointed out.

The theme of the chat is:”Media as a Force Multiplier in Nigeria Army Operations”

Represented by the GOC 8 Division of the Nigeria Army , Sokoto , Major General Godwin Mutkut , Lagbaja noted that the essence and desire for peace and security required harnessing collective strength of all well meaning Nigerians and organisations.

Accordingly, the Army Boss assured of responsive engagement of the media towards deepening strategies as well to complement the army efforts  on the field of operations .

” The choice of the theme is apt and aimed at providing avenue for robust deliberation on issues of concern relating to the Nigerian Army as well enable media practitioners from the Northwest Zone actively  participate for sustained support to our operations.”

Mutkut who is also the  Commander Northwest JTF Operation Hadarin Daji disclosed that the military had taken delivery of some modern equipment and other combat enablers while provision for more had been finalized.

” In consonance with my and philosophy, measures have been in place to ensure that our troops are well trained and motivated to adequately discharge their constitutional responsibilities”, Lagbaja added.

While commending Mr President , Lagbaja said the support of patriotic Nigerians was critical and fundamental aspect in the attainment of the Nigeria Army mandate noting that the Nigeria Army belonged to Nigerians and the military was for the people.

In his welcome address, the Army Chief of Civil – Military Affairs, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo explained that the objective of the media chat was to further propagate the activities of the military as well engage the media in strengthening relationship with the civil populace for mutual benefits .

According to Ugbo, military-media relation was crucial and should be  kept agile through responsive engagements noting that the army was a constitutional creation for the people hence, the need to keep them informed of the well being and progress of the army.

” The media is a stimulant for social and national accountability , credibility and development”, he pointed out while noting that the engagement has been fruitful and impactful.

He disclosed that the army was organising an interface space with social media influencers and members of the emerging new media to further deepen engagements with the public  through seminars and meetings with traditional , political and institutional leaders in the ecosystem.