After Niger bloodbath, COAS undertakes morale boosting trip

Following troops’ encounter with terrorists in Zungeru general area of Niger State that resulted in the death of several military personnel, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Tuesday night, arrived in Minna, to motivate the combatants.

He was said to have immediately moved to Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro Local Council of the state, where he was briefed on the current security situation by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi.

According to military spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS urged the troops to be more resolute in restoring sanity nationwide.

Stating that the anti-insurgency fight is a just cause to defend the country and citizens, Lagbaja added: “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 Army chief assured the soldiers of reasonable resources to execute the crusade besides their welfare and those of their families.

In deference to pillars of his command philosophy, Lagbaja, subsequently, directed immediate reinforcements to enhance operational effectiveness.

Recall that over a dozen troops, including officers, were killed in an ambush by bandits around Wushishi Local Council of the state on Sunday.

Also, a total of 30 hoodlums were neutralised during a gun duel with soldiers and vigilantes, while over a dozen military personnel paid the supreme price at Kundu via Zungeru within the council area.