Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, delivered a resolute message to the nation, reaffirming the Nigerian Army Headquarters’ steadfast determination to swiftly tackle the myriad security challenges confronting the country. Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja, Lagbaja emphasized the Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria and its people amidst escalating threats.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Lagbaja stated, “Nigeria is confronted with numerous security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and clashes between farmers and herders.” These issues have led to tragic loss of life, widespread abductions, and the displacement of millions of Nigerians across various regions.
Highlighting the proactive stance of the Nigerian Army, Lagbaja assured stakeholders, “I assure you of AHQ’s commitment to promptly resolve all security issues in a manner that benefits our nation and its citizens.” He underscored the collaborative efforts with sister Services and other security agencies to decisively protect the country and foster development for all Nigerians.
In his call for national solidarity, Lagbaja urged Nigerians to support and collaborate with the Army and other security agencies in their mission to restore lasting peace, essential for sustainable development. “Security is a collective responsibility of society,” he emphasized, stressing the importance of mutual understanding, confidence-building, and cohesive relationships among all stakeholders.
Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, echoed Lagbaja’s sentiments, expressing concern over the strained cooperation between citizen soldiers and certain communities. “There is often a misunderstanding of soldiers’ efforts, which hinders communities from providing crucial intelligence,” Ikechukwu observed. He lamented the decline in community cooperation, attributing it to a crisis of trust that undermines effective security measures.
Reflecting on past successes, Ikechukwu noted, “During periods of relative peace, communities understood their role in sharing information. However, this cooperation has significantly dwindled.” He stressed the urgent need to address this breakdown in trust and restore effective collaboration between communities and security forces.
The roundtable in Abuja served as a pivotal platform for discussing strategies to enhance community engagement, improve intelligence sharing, and create a supportive environment for security operations nationwide. Participants deliberated on rebuilding trust, fostering civic responsibility, and nurturing partnerships that can effectively respond to evolving security threats.
In conclusion, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s assurances underscored the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens and maintaining national security in the face of daunting challenges. The call for unity, trust, and collaboration resonates as crucial elements for achieving sustainable peace and development in Nigeria. As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and concerted action, there remains optimism for a future where security forces and communities work together to protect lives and secure Nigeria’s prosperity. This ongoing dialogue and collaboration are essential steps towards realizing a safer and more stable Nigeria for all its people.
