COAS visits troops in Niger, directs reinforcement with additional combat

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday met with the troops at the Forward Operating Base, Erena in Shiroro LGA of Niger State after their Sunday encounter during which many of them paid the supreme price. 

Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachuku made this known in his Twitter post via Nigeria Army’s Twitter handle.

 He said, “Following troops’ encounter with insurgents in the Zungeru general area of Niger State, in which gallant troops of the Nigerian Army paid the supreme price in defence of our dear country. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Nigerian Army, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja arrived Minna, Niger State capital, late night Tuesday 15 August 2023 and today, immediately  moved to Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, where he was briefed on the current security situation by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Bamidele Alabi.

 “Addressing the troops soon after the brief, the COAS urged them to rally together and be more resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees and restore sanity in troubled areas. He maintained that the fight against insurgents and bandits is a just cause, in defence of Nigerians and the nation. According to the Army Chief,   “Protecting lives and defending your nation are the noblest service anyone can offer. 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”. The statement read in part.

 The statement also said Gen Lagbaja assured the troops that he will do all within available resources to give Nigerian Army personnel and their families the best in terms of welfare.

 COAS was said to have directed the immediate reinforcement of the troops with additional combat enablers to enhance their operational effectiveness.