Army Partners Sister Agencies on Enabling Environment for Economic Growth

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that it is partnering with the police  and other sister agencies in ensuring an enabling environment for the economic growth of the country.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, made the disclosure yesterday, in his remarks at the luncheon with frontline troops of 6 Division, held at 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Lagbaja said that the joint security agencies efforts will ensure a stable environment where businesses and other responsible activities will thrive without interference from men of the underworld.

“We aim to work with other sister services; the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to create and maintain a peaceful, safe and secured environment for economic activities to thrives.

“As chief of army staff, I desire to return our troops home, to their families and loved ones safely. To this end, we look forward to creating a more stable condition that will allow for a draw-down in strength of troops deployed on internal security duties across the country.

“We shall endeavour to build capacity in statutory security agencies to take charge of our internal security effectively. At the same time, we hope to rejuvenate our efforts towards our primary constitutional duty of protecting our territorial integrity,” he said.

The army chief also stated that the military would focus on training and provision of more equipment to its men and officers as they continue to confront insecurity at the various theatres in the country.

Lagbaja said the training will equip the personnel who through the capacity effort will ensure that Nigeria returns to the good old days when people could travel freely across the country and sleep with their two eyes closed.

He assured the troops that the Army would soon take delivery of some helicopters and other fighting equipment to enable troops conduct better operations in 2024.

He explained that the programme was significant in so many ways as it puts on record the premium the Chief of Army Staff places on the welfare and wellbeing of the troops.

“This incoming year, the Nigerian Army expects to check the delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better security environment develop across the entire country.

“Also, the Army headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that will directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families. Your wellbeing is of utmost importance and we shall continue to work tirelessly provide you with the necessary assistance and support to carry on the duties effectively,” he added.

Lagbaja further expressed the belief that with the support of the executive and legislative arms of government, the army would be able to become a more efficient force.

Also in his address, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam said the event provided opportunity to appreciate troops for their sacrifices to the Nigerian Army and fatherland, particularly, the Niger Delta region.

 “Our troops have been involved in various kinetic and non-kinetic activities that have considerably shaped the operating environment with their attendant hazards. Key among these hazards are the loss of various lives of our colleagues and occasional loss and damage of equipment,” he said.

Recalling the recent incident that claimed the lives of four soldiers in the state, Abdussalam said: “We are all aware that most recently, we lost four of our gallant soldiers in the criminal activities of militants unwarranted and unprovoked attacks.

“I will like to use this medium to warn those responsible for that dastardly acts that they will surely pay a higher price for their actions.

“These incidents and many sundry operations hazards call for avenues such as this to appreciate their service personnel for their uncommon sacrifices”.

He however, urged men and officers of the command to sustain the tempo in the new year, saying that the 6 Division, Nigerian Army would support the federal government to achieve its oil output target for 2024 and even surpass it for the benefit of the nation.

In his speech, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reassured the Army and other security agencies that he would continue to work in synergy with them for positive results.

Represented by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, Fubara said: “We are here smiling relaxing and enjoying ourselves because you all take the trouble of making sure that we are safe”.