COAS Lt. Gen. Lagbaja Rejects Calls for Military Intervention, Emphasizes Army’s Commitment to Democracy
Uyo, Nigeria – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has firmly dismissed recent calls for the military to overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected government, stressing that the Nigerian Army will not be swayed to undermine the nation’s democracy for the interests of a few. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, Lagbaja highlighted the Army’s dedication to upholding the country’s democratic values.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja noted that the majority of those advocating for military intervention are young Nigerians who have not experienced the detrimental effects of Nigeria’s previous military regimes. He reiterated that the Nigerian Army is committed to maintaining the “new prestige” it has built over the past 25 years, emphasizing that the Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically elevate any interests to power.
“The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power. As the Service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is not poised to losing the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years, secure, and united,” Lagbaja stated.
Support and Welfare Initiatives
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja also highlighted the ongoing support that the Nigerian Army and its sister services have received from the government at both national and sub-national levels. He pointed to the recent acquisition of two BELL UH-1 Huey Helicopters equipped with advanced sensors, which will enhance the Army’s capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation.
In addition to these advancements, Lagbaja assured that the welfare of widows and family members of fallen heroes remains a priority for the Nigerian Army. He emphasized the importance of addressing both physical security and food security, noting that recent nationwide protests over hunger have underscored the potential for social issues to escalate into physical security challenges.
Agricultural Policy Review and Food Security Efforts
Responding to the recent hunger protests, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja announced the Army’s plans to review its agricultural policy to better position the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to significantly boost crop production. The goal is to release grains into the market at subsidized rates in support of government efforts to address food insecurity.
“The Nigerian Army will, in the coming days, review its agricultural policy to better position the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to significantly boost crop production so that the Army can release grains into the market at highly subsidized rate in support of government efforts,” he said.
He further revealed that the Army Headquarters is exploring partnerships with government ministries, departments, agencies, and reputable private organizations to collaborate on resolving the country’s food crisis.
Enhancing Security Across Nigeria
Lagbaja also announced the acquisition of additional combat enablers, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, rifles, and ammunition, to bolster security and strengthen military operations across the country.
Akwa Ibom State’s Commitment
Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed his appreciation for the Army’s decision to hold the event in the state. He commended Lt. Gen. Lagbaja for his leadership in guiding the Nigerian Army towards fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. Governor Eno also assured the state government’s readiness to support the establishment of a proposed Army base in Akwa Ibom and provide the necessary logistics to ensure its success.