Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja announced the deployment of 5,937 soldiers to address security challenges like banditry, cattle rustling, and insurgency
Lagbaja emphasized continuous training and improved welfare for soldiers to enhance their proficiency, discipline, and dedication to duty
Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has announced the deployment of 5,937 soldiers to address various security challenges in Nigeria, including banditry and cattle rustling. This announcement was made during the Passing Out Parade of the 86th regular recruit intake at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.
The COAS highlighted that the newly graduated soldiers would play a crucial role in tackling security issues across different regions of the country:
North-East: Insurgency
North-West: Banditry and cattle rustling
North-Central: Farmers-herders clashes
South-East: Secessionist agitation and cultism
South-South and South-West: Militancy and vandalization of critical national assets and infrastructure
Lagbaja emphasized that military training is a continuous process, and the Nigerian Army has implemented post-depot training programs to enhance the soldiers’ proficiency with various weapons and equipment. This ongoing training aims to ensure the soldiers are well-prepared and efficient in their duties.
The COAS also mentioned improvements in welfare packages to support the soldiers’ medical, recreational, and educational needs, helping them achieve career fulfilment. He congratulated the new recruits and reminded them of the sacrifices involved in a soldier’s life, which included unwavering allegiance to the country and readiness to defend it, even at the cost of their lives.
Lagbaja stressed the importance of discipline, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty, urging the new soldiers not to disappoint the Nigerian Army’s and the nation’s expectations. He concluded by affirming that by becoming soldiers, they had taken on the highest call to duty any Nigerian can accept.
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