Column No. 6: What kind of Chief of Army Staff do we have?

I have never met Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, but I find him to be an interesting officer. He does have an attention-grabbing CV, and has been in the news in the past. Even beyond his last name – which would immediately invoke that of a famous masked Nigerian musician – I had only read about him, particularly when he was a Brigadier-General, if I am not mistaken. Names like his are unique and not something one would hear often, so I guess you could say I took note. Fast-forward to when he was announced as the new (and current) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), I could not help but feel like ‘here is a man who would certainly make a difference’. Now, our nation is at a point that it needs a particular kind of leader, especially in the ever-crucial area of security.

Usually, when one is doing some research about public figures, a sanitized narrative is what is available. I would not have any of that, so I decided to go with what, to me, is my most reliable resource: My memory. Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Lagbaja honed his skills in various military theatres, gaining invaluable experience in both conventional and unconventional warfare, all the while building his legend as an exemplary professional in his field. One thing about him that has stood out to me over the years are the stories of the time when he was the he was the pioneer Chief of Staff (COS) to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division (before it was moved from Maiduguri to Sokoto), where he led Special Forces troops to Boko Haram enclaves in Chukun Gudu, in Borno State. Then, insurgency in the North-East had reached alarming proportions, threatening the stability and unity of the nation.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, however, approached the situation with a blend of firm resolve and – in my opinion – empathy, understanding that a successful counterinsurgency operation required more than just military might. He implemented a holistic approach that combined military operations with community engagement and development initiatives. His approach was to prioritize the welfare of people, both civilians and soldiers, fostering a sense of unity that proved pivotal in turning the tide against the insurgents. But before I jump the gun about the kind of COAS we need (and have, thank God), I think it would make sense to also talk about the kind of army we need right now.
Our nation, with its rich history and diverse culture, stands at a crucial juncture in its development. As we navigate through various challenges – the security ones too numerous to mention – the need for a strong and resilient army has never been more apparent. We require a modernized and adaptable military force, and for so many reasons. The army must prioritize the development of robust counterinsurgency and counterterrorism capabilities, including specialized training, intelligence-gathering, and strategic coordination to effectively combat asymmetric threats. Investing in technology, such as surveillance drones and advanced communication systems, will enhance the army’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively. Now, to be honest, these things at this moment are a bit like pointing out the obvious, as they are currently in place within the relevant system.

The Nigerian Army has also adjusted its stance on cyber-security, and establishing a dedicated cyber command within the army, recruiting skilled personnel, and investing in cutting-edge technologies will protect the nation against cyber threats that can compromise critical infrastructure and sensitive information. As a regional powerhouse, our nation plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in West Africa, and the army has been equipped and trained to participate in peacekeeping missions, not only within the country but also in collaboration with regional organizations. Then of course, as we are prone to various natural disasters, the army can play a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, simply building upon what they already do. Specialized units trained in disaster response, medical aid, and logistical support can ensure a swift and effective response to crises, earning the trust and gratitude of the civilian population.

Modern warfare relies heavily on technology, and the Nigerian Army needs to invest in advanced weaponry, surveillance systems, and communication infrastructure. This includes updating the fleet of armoured vehicles, acquiring modern aircraft, and integrating AI for enhanced decision-making. Technological superiority will not only improve the army’s effectiveness, but also serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries. And that is not to forget that one of the most important things that should be on the to-do list of the Nigerian Army is building trust between the military and the civilian population, essential for national cohesion. This approach fosters a positive image of the military and ensures the support of the people. Yes, versions of these have been carried out successfully by the Nigerian Army, so why not a more robust engagement? While at it, throw in a healthy dash of a strong maintenance of high ethical standards within the military, which should be non-negotiable. This, too, is currently being practiced, but like mentioned earlier, more is needed.

Back to Lieutenant General Lagbaja, and in closing, it is clear so far that the 55-year-old senior officer understands the importance of Public Relations, which can be seen. This is in addition to a keen knack for communication, which I saw after the tragic events of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State. In a couple of days, he was there on site and talking with the members of the affected community. Even if cautiously, I was impressed. Even here in Abuja, I have witnessed first-hand the joint patrols of the army, civil defence and police on our highways, all at this crucial time when violent crimes are spiking. If the collaboration continues successfully, and I don’t see why it should not, then the ages-old quagmire of inter-agency rivalries would have been effectively rested. That’s not to say I am totally sold on the COAS and his leadership, no. I, like other concerned Nigerians, will be watching closely, not for a misstep, but with hopes for a continuation of what he is doing so far.