On June 26, 2024, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, urged Nigerian Army troops to reciprocate the benefits of the ongoing transformation drive within the Army by bolstering their operational effectiveness against the country’s security challenges.
The address was made during the commissioning of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Headquarters Complex at Obienu Barracks in Bauchi.
General Lagbaja highlighted the support of the Federal Government in clearing the first batch of the backlog of Group Life Assurance accumulated since 2012 and initiating the payment of the Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme for personnel injured in action or accidents during operations.
He emphasized the repair and retrofitting of several combat platforms unique to the Armoured Corps at the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot, despite the country’s economic challenges.
The COAS called on the troops to exhibit high standards of discipline, dedication, and loyalty in response to these positive developments.
Addressing the Biennial Reunion of the Armoured Corps, General Lagbaja solicited cooperation from both serving and retired senior officers to advance the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps and restore its esteemed position as the Combat Arm of Decision.
In addition to commissioning the Armoured Corps Headquarters complex, the COAS inaugurated a Fire Service Station and a Petroleum Oil Lubricants (POL) dump to serve the formation and barracks.
He also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Rilwan Sulaiman Adamu, the Emir of Bauchi, to recognize the traditional institution and garner support for the Nigerian Army.
Representing the Governor of Bauchi State, Deputy Governor Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Jattau commended the proactive measures taken by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat security challenges in the country.
He stressed the importance of continued synergy among security agencies and pledged the state’s support in addressing insecurity and criminality.
His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Mohammadu Saad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, a former officer of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, lauded the COAS for the significant transformation within the Nigerian Army during his tenure.
He noted that these improvements have positively impacted efforts to mitigate security challenges and urged the COAS to sustain these developments.
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