BE PREPARED FOR HIGHER TASKS – COAS TELLS NEWLY PROMOTED BRIGADIER GENERALS, DECORATES HIS CHIEF OF STAFF AMONGST OTHERS

BE PREPARED FOR HIGHER TASKS – COAS TELLS NEWLY PROMOTED BRIGADIER GENERALS, DECORATES HIS CHIEF OF STAFF AMONGST OTHERS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has charged newly decorated Brigadier Generals to see their elevation as a reward for hard work and exceptional diligence to duty. 

The COAS gave the charge today, Friday, 29 December 2023 during the investiture ceremony of newly promoted Colonels to the rank of Brigadier Generals at the Army Headquarters Abuja. Gen Lagbaja pointed out, that the newly promoted senior officers have worked hard to justify their elevation and suitability for the new rank.

The Army Chief advised them to be above board and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr President and the Nigerian Army (NA). 

The COAS directed them to do all within their ambits to animate and ensure implementation of his Command Philosophy of "transforming the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force, towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment". 

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the newly decorated senior officers, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu gave thanks to God for honouring them and their households with elevation in their chosen career. He expressed gratitude to the COAS and other top brass of the NA for their mentorship and guidance, adding that they were equally appreciative of the prayers and support of their spouses and personnel. 

He pledged on behalf of the newly decorated senior officers to be absolutely loyal to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the leadership of the NA.

Highpoint of the event was the decoration of the Chief of Staff to the COAS, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu by the Army Chief.  

COAS CHARGES FIELD COMMANDERS TO SCALE UP EFFORTS IN TACKLING INSECURITY, PROTECT CIVILIANS FROM UNCONVENTIONAL THREATS…As Annual Conference ends in Maiduguri

COAS CHARGES FIELD COMMANDERS TO SCALE UP EFFORTS IN TACKLING INSECURITY, PROTECT CIVILIANS FROM UNCONVENTIONAL THREATS…As Annual Conference ends in Maiduguri

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in a fervent call, has charged Nigerian Army (NA) Field Commanders at all levels to make good use of the outcomes of vibrant and robust interactions held during the COAS Annual Conference in Maiduguri, following updates on NA intelligence and review of operations across the country, to scale up efforts in tackling security challenges and improve upon the protection of Nigerians from unconventional threats confronting the nation.

General Lagbaja, who gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2023 at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, Borno State, ordered an immediate shoring up of measures aimed at enhancing military operations and ensuring the safety and protection of citizens from unconventional threats. The Army Chief also urged commanders to devise comprehensive plans to deal decisively with adversaries within their Areas of Responsibilities and exercise restraint when dealing with law-abiding citizens whom the NA is constitutionally charged to protect.

General Lagbaja stated that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, all commanders should do all within their ambit to enhance operations in a manner that justifies the resources committed to the nation’s security. The COAS averred that the conference provides participants with veritable platforms to review NA's past achievements, assess current challenges, and strategize for the future in the broader context of national security. 

The COAS further stressed that the conference has afforded the NA quality time to review its training, operations, and administrative activities that directly relate to the theme of the conference which is ”Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a Joint Environment." He added that deliberations at the conference have addressed various issues relating to troops' morale, physical and conceptual components of NA fighting power and lecture during the conference has further re-enforced the importance of whole-of-society approach in the successful conduct of NA operations to mitigate security challenges.

General Lagbaja noted that the task ahead of the military is enormous, consequently, efforts must be made to improve communication channels with other security agencies, where there are ongoing internal security operations to create a secure environment for good governance and economic prosperity for Nigerians.

In conformity with one of the cardinal pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy, which is "sound administration", General Lagbaja presented cheques to officers and soldiers wounded in combat through the Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme. The scheme caters for the medical bills of personnel wounded in combat.

The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his staunch support to the NA and assured of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the NA to the defence of democracy and upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NIGERIAN MILITARY WRESTLERS SHINES AT WORLD STAGE, CLINCHES GOLD, SILVER

NIGERIAN MILITARY WRESTLERS SHINES AT WORLD STAGE, CLINCHES GOLD, SILVER. 

The Nigerian Military Wrestlers at the ongoing 36th World Military Wrestling Championship at Baku, Azerbaijan on Friday, 1st December, 2023, has clinched Gold and silver medals respectively. The feet was achieved by female wrestler, Corporal Hannah Reuben who beat her Italian contender in the 68 weight category of women's freestyle wrestling to lift the gold medal. 

The Armed Forces of Nigeria wrestling team made an indelible mark on the global stage, setting a record and garnering widespread acclaim. The medal was presented to Cpl Reuben by the Vice President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Mr. Dirk Shwede. 

It could be recalled that this is the first time the Armed Forces of Nigeria is securing a gold medal since participating at the CISM World Wrestling Championship. Another commendable performance was by Lance Corporal Ojolaide Esther who got silver medal in the 72 weight earlier at the event. 

The Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Emmanuel Onumajuru who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis were present to witness the glory. The senior officers respectively maintained that the historic victory wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa OFR, acknowledging his crucial role in the team's success.