Tinubu Did Everything to Save Lagbaja, Says Acting Army Chief

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support during the tumultuous moments of his appointment and the challenges the Nigerian Army has faced. Lagbaja expressed gratitude, noting that President Tinubu did everything possible to ensure his success as the head of the Nigerian Army.

In a statement during a special event marking his assumption of office as the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja acknowledged the crucial role played by the president in navigating through the challenging moments and ensuring a smooth transition in the army leadership. He emphasized that the president’s support was a key factor in the army’s ability to stay focused on its primary mission of securing the nation.

Major General Lagbaja’s appointment came at a time of increased security concerns, particularly with rising insurgency, armed banditry, and terrorism in various parts of Nigeria. This made his appointment a critical one, requiring a steady hand and experienced leadership to address the challenges. Lagbaja, who has had a distinguished career in the military, was chosen to lead the army through this critical period after the tragic death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in a plane crash earlier in May 2021.

In his remarks, Lagbaja stated that while the challenges facing the Nigerian military were enormous, the support from President Tinubu had been invaluable. He recounted how the president showed strong commitment to the military, personally ensuring that necessary resources, training, and morale-boosting strategies were implemented to enhance the army’s operational capacity.

“President Tinubu has been unwavering in his support for the Nigerian Army. He has done everything within his power to ensure that we succeed in our mission to safeguard the nation,” Lagbaja said during the ceremony. “His leadership has been a beacon of strength for all of us in the military, and it has propelled us to continue with the task of defending the territorial integrity of our beloved country.”

Lagbaja, who assumed the role of acting army chief after the tragic loss of his predecessor, also acknowledged the difficult responsibility that lay ahead. He spoke about his commitment to enhancing the professionalism and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army, pledging to work tirelessly to improve the welfare of soldiers and ensure they were adequately equipped to face the security challenges in the country.

The Acting Chief of Army Staff also mentioned the importance of teamwork in overcoming Nigeria’s security issues. He noted that collaboration with other arms of the military, the police, and other security agencies would be key to restoring peace in regions plagued by violence. The synergy between the military and other security forces, according to Lagbaja, would be essential to the success of any security initiative moving forward.

The military, under Lagbaja’s leadership, has already made significant strides in the fight against insurgents and bandits in various parts of Nigeria, especially in the North-East and North-West regions, where terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have posed major challenges to national security. Lagbaja confirmed that the military would continue to take decisive actions against all security threats and ensure the protection of lives and property.

He also emphasized that the army would remain focused on its constitutional duties while continuing to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights in its operations. Lagbaja reassured Nigerians that, under his leadership, the Nigerian Army would remain committed to the principles of peace, discipline, and patriotism, while ensuring that any form of criminality or terrorism would not go unchecked.

Reflecting on his relationship with President Tinubu, Lagbaja highlighted the president’s vision for a united and secure Nigeria. He stressed that the collaboration between the military and the civilian leadership would be critical in achieving the government’s objectives for national security. According to Lagbaja, Tinubu’s administration had a clear roadmap for security, and the Nigerian Army would continue to play a central role in realizing those goals.

The acting army chief’s statement of appreciation to President Tinubu underscores the strong bond between the military and the civilian government in Nigeria. His leadership, underpinned by support from the president, is seen as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian Army’s continued efforts to restore peace in the country and maintain national security.

As the security situation in Nigeria continues to evolve, the Nigerian Army under Major General Lagbaja’s leadership is expected to continue its focus on enhancing military effectiveness, improving soldiers’ welfare, and working in tandem with other agencies to tackle the various security challenges facing the nation. With the full backing of President Tinubu, there is hope that the military will strengthen its resolve to combat insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism that threaten the stability of Nigeria.