Key Points
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Army chief vows to protect citizens with intelligence-driven operations.
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Army chief vows to protect citizens through troop welfare and training reforms.
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Army commander aims to reshape military culture and service delivery.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff, has promised to step up efforts to fight insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. He has promised to take strong action and safeguard residents across the country.
On Monday, Lagbaja gave his first big speech at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. He talked about a strategic plan that puts citizen safety, modernised operations, and better military welfare at the top of the list.
He claimed that while he was in office, he would focus on “operational readiness, intelligence-driven deployments, and improved troop welfare” to make sure that the Nigerian Army protects every community.
The army chief’s principal job is to keep people safe through operations
Lagbaja said that the army will work more closely with the Nigerian Air Force and Navy on combined missions and with the Defence Intelligence Agency to break up rebel networks in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt. He remarked, “Our goal is clear: no Nigerian should have to live in fear of kidnapping or terrorism.”
In June 2023, Lagbaja took over for Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya as president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also talked about the rule of law and accountability, stating, “We will expect a lot from our troops.” “Respect for human rights is not up for debate.”
The head of the army promises to safeguard residents while making changes to the troops
Lagbaja talked about changes that would improve the training, welfare, and logistics of soldiers. He claimed that his recent time as General Officer in charge of the 1 Division and 82 Division made him even more persuaded that “a motivated soldier fights better.” He was in charge of operations against bandit organisations in Kaduna and Niger states while in charge of those divisions.
He added that programs like the “Smart Soldier” program will use technology, drone surveillance, and artificial intelligence to make the war more effective. The changes also include fixing existing barracks, getting better combat vehicles, and hiring more people to fulfil the needs of the present.
The head of the army wants to protect people and change the culture of the military
Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1992. He has received many awards and has served for more than 30 years. He has a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He stressed that the army will stay professional, non-political, and focused on the people while he is in charge.
Dr. Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise and other security experts said that his appointment comes at a very important time. Yusuf added, “Nigeria’s security threats are so big that we need leaders who can change how things are done and win back the trust of the people.”
