The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to remain loyal, disciplined and dedicated to eliminating criminality.

Mr Lagbaja gave the charge on Tuesday in Enugu while addressing troops during his operational visit to the headquarters of the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army.

He cautioned troops against being swayed by fabricated social media lies and misinformation, adding, “You should not allow dissident/criminal groups to indoctrinate you to do wrong things and take wrong decisions”.

The COAS noted that the Nigerian Army remained an embodiment of discipline, noting that it would not tolerate any soldier or officer flaunting the constituted rule and law of their host community or state.

Mr Lagbaja also said the army held the welfare of its troops and their families in very high esteem, adding that it had prompted the inauguration of various projects with the headquarters and the Abakpa Military Cantonment.

The army chief noted that President Bola Tinubu was also working to ensure that the officers and soldiers’ welfare remained top priority.

“President Tinubu has taken it upon himself to address the backlog of severance packages to our colleagues.

“You must have heard it, over and over again, that he has approved payment of the backlog of the group life assurance claim to families of our departed colleagues that had been outstanding since 2011.

“So, he had approved N18.4 billion to clear that backlog. That will be done,” he said.

The COAS noted that the army had instituted a Group Personnel Accident Insurance to cover the gap if soldiers deployed on operations, perhaps within Enugu or any other place, were involved in an accident.

“Then, the insurance company will pay claims. We are doing all these to cater for your welfare and well-being.

“However, as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. So, my charge to you is to remain loyal to the Constitution of Nigeria and the government of the day,” he said.

The army chief warned personnel not to engage in illegal duties or get involved in civil matters that do not have bearing or connection to their official duties, adding: “The army is too busy to engage in frivolities”.

High points of the COAS visit included unveiling the remodelled Headquarters, 82 Division Office Complex and the facelift of its major offices and visitor’s room.

The COAS also inaugurated the renovated Block 12 and 13 accommodations for corporals and gave keys to its new occupants; conducted groundbreaking of officers’ transit accommodation and inaugurated the new Dragon Officers’ Mess in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.

(NAN)