{PHOTOS} Army Chief, Lagbaja, in Katsina on tour of 17 Brigade to boost counter-insurgency efforts
By KEMI KASUMU
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commenced a working tour of the 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility in North West Nigeria.
This move, aimed at revitalizing ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, was announced in a press statement issued by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations.
Upon his arrival at the 17 Brigade Headquarters in Katsina on Friday September 6, 2024, Gen. Lagbaja was briefed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, on the current security situation and the operational stance of the unit.
During his address to the troops, the COAS outlined his commitment to leadership, administration and operational effectiveness as part of his Command Philosophy.
He highlighted several initiatives designed to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel, including the recent commencement of payments under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme, which had been backlogged since 2017.
The COAS emphasized the launch of the Affordable Housing Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), a post-service housing scheme offering heavily subsidized residential accommodations.
“Other measures include extensive rehabilitation of medical facilities, barracks, and other infrastructure across army formations nationwide, alongside new loan schemes to economically empower personnel and their families.
Lagbaja urged the troops to remain vigilant and actively pursue insurgents hiding in the region, assuring them of continued provision of combat enablers to enhance their efforts.
During his visit, Gen. Lagbaja also spent time with sick soldiers and their families at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he directed the immediate installation of essential medical equipment.
At the brigade headquarters, he laid a wreath at the cenotaph in honor of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.
In a meeting with Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, the governor praised the improving security situation in the state, citing the return of farmers to their lands.
He attributed the success to the joint efforts of security agencies and urged local communities to continue providing credible information to support military operations.
The COAS later paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, recognizing the traditional institution’s role in mobilizing community support for the army’s efforts to eliminate regional security threats.
General Lagbaja also expressed his condolences to the Yar’Adua family following the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, describing her as a virtuous matriarch of the Nigerian Army family.
He acknowledged the family’s notable contribution to the military, honoring the memory of their illustrious sons who served.
