The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has earned praise from the Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development for his pivotal role in halting the enforcement of sit-at-home orders by gunmen in the southeastern region of the country. These orders had resulted in loss of life and significant disruptions to economic activities.
In a statement co-signed by Chief Michael Msuaan and Dr. Adamu Mohammed, the conveners of the CSO, Lt Gen Lagbaja was commended for his relentless efforts since assuming office to maintain high morale among soldiers and effectively tackle security challenges.
The CSO highlighted the successful suppression of unknown gunmen activities in the southeast, leading to a restoration of normalcy in the region, with the forced sit-at-home orders no longer in effect. Additionally, they noted a marked decrease in Boko Haram and bandit activities in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger States, attributing this to intensified military operations against criminal elements.
Furthermore, the CSO acknowledged a significant reduction in oil bunkering and improvement in oil production, thanks to the Nigerian Army’s efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Regarding clashes between herders and farmers, the CSO observed a notable decline in such incidents under Lt Gen Lagbaja’s leadership, expressing hope for a permanent resolution to this threat to food security.
The CSO also commended recent advancements in military equipment procurement and local production, urging continued government support and funding for the Nigerian military. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to resist the influence of individuals seeking to sow discord and insecurity in the nation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing public support and prayers for the military.