The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA to exhibit loyalty and commitment to their constitutional responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The COAS gave the charge during his operational visit to Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army on Tuesday in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter handle by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday.
This he noted will guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, as well as peaceful coexistence of the nation’s citizenry.
Speaking to the troops, Lagbaja commended the resilience and sacrifices of the troops, admonishing them not to “expose themselves to the negative influence of the Social media, as it has often times been used to spread false and noxious information”.
He identified the importance of not letting themselves be manipulated into making misguided decisions or partake in illegalities, contrary to extant regulations and core values of the Nigerian Army.
Lagbaja stated further that the Nigerian Army as a disciplined and noble profession has zero tolerance for illegalities, noting, “It will remain an embodiment of discipline I would therefore, not tolerate any form of indiscipline from troops, as they operate in their respective host communities.”
The Army Chief noted that the Federal Government has made commendable interventions in the areas of troops’ welfare and provision of combat enablers, stressing that the government had settled the backlog of unpaid Group Life Assurance that had accumulated since 2011.
He equally disclosed that the army has begun the payment of troops’ Accident Insurance, stating that it is important for troops to give back to the country these motivating welfare interventions by remaining loyal , disciplined and intensifying their operational effectiveness in the fight against security challenges in the country.
The COAS also paid tribute to the people and Government of Enugu and Eboyin States for their support and cordial relationship with troops of 82 Division.
These accolades, Lagbaja gave when he paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu and Eboyin States Governors, Barrister Peter Mbah and his Eboyin counterpart Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila.
The Governors, while speaking during the visit, explained that peace has progressively returned to their respective states, commending the troops for their commitment in ensuring the restoration of peace and stability which has provided the enabling environment for socio-economic development in the states.
The COAS later visited the 24 Support Engineer Regiment in Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Ebonyi State, where he affirmrd that the troops must remain steadfast and committed to duty as the army is tirelessly creating conducive atmosphere for working and living for all troops.
The COAS unveiled the remodeled Headquarters 82 Division Complex, commissioning of some renovated and remodelled projects within the cantonment, including two blocks of 36 mini flats at the Corporal Below Quarters, the new Dragon Officers’ Mess and a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Officers’ Transit Accommodation which served as the high point of the event.
The COAS also commissioned a newly built Squadron Office at 24 Engineer Support Regiment in Nkwagu Military Cantonment.
