The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has urged troops of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees and restoring sanity in troubled areas across the country.

Mr Lagbaja gave the charge on Wednesday during an assessment visit to Niger State following troops’ encounter with insurgents in the Zungeru general area, where some troops paid the supreme price.

The statement by the army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the COAS arrived late on Tuesday in Minna, Niger state capital.

Mr Nwachukwu said Mr Lagbaja immediately moved to Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, where the General Officer Commanding I Division, Maj.-Gen Bamidele Alabi, briefed him on the current security situation.

Addressing troops, the COAS urged them to rally together, be more resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees, and restore sanity in troubled areas.

He said the fight against insurgents and bandits was a just cause in defence of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“You are, therefore, in the noble profession of arms and must not allow your morale to dwindle. We must defeat the adversaries of our people and take back every inch of space where they are hibernating in our land,” he said.

Mr Lagbaja assured the troops of his commitment to the best welfare within the available resources.

He directed the immediate reinforcement of the troops with additional combat enablers to enhance their operational effectiveness. 

(NAN)