Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, Calls for National Unity to Combat Insecurity
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, emphasising that military efforts alone are insufficient to tackle the country’s security challenges.
He made this appeal during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, on Tuesday.
Gen. Lagbaja underscored the importance of collaboration between the military, security agencies, and the general public in achieving national peace and security.
“The Nigerian Army is people-centric and committed to ensuring the peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians. However, we recognise that overcoming the security challenges facing our nation requires the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.”
Lagbaja reiterated the army’s strategy of utilising both military (kinetic) and non-military (non-kinetic) approaches in dealing with insecurity.
He encouraged citizens to play active roles by cooperating with security agencies, adding that the army remains focused on serving the people through collaboration with other security bodies.
“We seek the support and cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians to combat insecurity. Under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation in the country,” Lagbaja affirmed.
The Army Chief also highlighted the significance of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects, which allow the army to engage with communities, particularly where senior officers like Major Generals hail from. According to him, over 200 community-orientated projects have been completed across Nigeria under this initiative.
One of the projects unveiled at the event included the renovation of Odo-Otin Grammar School, facilitated by Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola.
The school was provided with 200 desks and chairs, along with renovated entry and exit gates. Additionally, a 500KVA transformer was installed to electrify the Ogo-Oluwa community, further contributing to the area’s infrastructural development.
Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola commended Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja for his leadership and the resources allocated to making the projects a reality, noting that the projects were designed to enhance human and infrastructural development.
Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, also expressed his gratitude to the COAS for his dedication to community upliftment and the positive impact of the civil-military cooperation initiatives.
The ceremony in Okuku marks another step in the army’s continued efforts to foster security and development through meaningful engagement with local communities.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, Calls for National Unity to Combat Insecurity