Ensure Security of Your Baracks, Cantonment, COAS Charges GOCs, Commanders
Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has charged general officers commanding and commanding officers of various formations and units to ensure security of the barracks and cantonments under their area of responsibility.
The COAS gave this charge at the closing ceremony of the second Commanding Officers Workshop held at Nebo Hall Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba Surulere, Lagos and hosted by 81 Division General Officer Commanding, Major General Obinna Ajunwa.
Themed “Enhancing Operational Capacity of Commanding Officers for Better Performance in a Joint Environment”, the commanding officers were drawn from formations/ units within and outside 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
Lagabja, who was represented by the Corp Commander, Army Engineer, Major General Phillip Eromosele, stressed the importance of building strong relationships with officers and their families to promote a high level of camaraderie with host communities and other security agencies.
He said: “Let me emphasise at this juncture that the security of your barracks and cantonments, as well as lives and property therein, is a command responsibility you must take seriously. You must foster good relationships with your officers, soldiers, and their families.
“You must equally strive to maintain a high level of cordiality with your host
communities and other security agencies. You must understand that the place of jointness and collaboration cannot be overemphasised if you must be in tune with my command philosophy.”
He said it has become expedient now considering the fact that they are commanding under a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.
He further charged the officers to think of fresh ideas aimed at tackling insurgency, noted that the commanders’ ability to make administrative, operational or tactical judgment and exercise effective leadership must be unquestionable.
On the course, he said already the senior military officers have been equipped with necessary professional knowledge and administrative competencies that will enhance their quality during the training period.
He however stated that the knowledge gained must be adequately applied for a positive outcome.
He noted that “I am confident that with the choice of the topics, quality of resource persons and the brainstorming sections, you have therefore been equipped with the necessary professional knowledge and administrative competencies to enhance the quality of your output as Commanding Officers.
“You must, however, realise that knowledge gained must be applied for a positive outcome. Let me emphasise at this juncture that the security of your barracks and cantonments, as well as lives and property therein, is a command responsibility you must take seriously.
“As I declare the workshop formally closed, I wish to express my gratitude to the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, invited guests, resource persons and participants.”
