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Tag: Taoreed Lagbaja

  • Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    The Nigerian Army has officially opened up over the reported demise of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports news of Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s alleged death circulated on social media on Sunday after the Chief of Army Staff left the country for leave.

    It was alleged that Lagbaja died of cancer at an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Nigerian Army via its official social media platforms immediately refuted the report, tagging it as fake news.

    No leadership vacuum in Nigerian Army – AHQ

    Earlier, the Nigerian Army had dismissed insinuation that there is a leadership vacuum with regards to recent personnel posting and promotion as the army Chief is on annual leave.

    In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja, the army said reacted to what they described as ‘social media stories, rumours, and innuendoes’ about happenings in the Nigerian army.

    Nwachukwu said that while some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others had bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

    “Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

    “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

    “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

    “This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the claims of leadership vacuum in the army presently was a mere speculation, adding that all routine and scheduled activities of the service were on course.

    According to him, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

    He said that the Commander Traning and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad, in line with extant procedures.

    “Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos. This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

    “The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management,” he added.

    Army spokesman said it had never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the army contrary to the insinuation that COAS’ absence had caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise.

    He added that the appropriate departmental chiefs perform those functions routinely, adding that they were fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    “The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

    “Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.

    “The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS,” he said.

  • Nigerian Army breaks silence on Chief Of Army Staff, Lagbaja’ being ‘Incapacitated’ abroad

    Nigerian Army breaks silence on Chief Of Army Staff, Lagbaja’ being ‘Incapacitated’ abroad

    The Nigerian Army has assured the general public that the absence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has not created any leadership vacuum within the service.

    The Army in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu explained that Lagbaja is on official leave, and necessary protocols have been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

    He said, “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth.

    “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

    “This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”

    Onyema further noted that the COAS’s absence has not stalled promotions for officers, adding that the results of the Captain-to-Major promotion exam had been released following the approval of the Chief of Policy and Plans.

    He said, “Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure. Subsequently, and in line with extant procedures, the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the results after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently represents the Chief of Army Staff during his absence on leave and medical check-up abroad. Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.

    “This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna. The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.”

  • Military won’t overthrow Tinubu’s Government – Lagbaja vows

    Military won’t overthrow Tinubu’s Government – Lagbaja vows

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has vowed that the military will not heed calls for the overthrow of the government of President Bola Tinubu.

    Lagbaja made this statement on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    According to him, the calls for military intervention are mainly coming from young Nigerians who did not experience the era of Nigeria’s extensive military rule. He said the Nigerian Army has built a new prestige over the past 25 years by allowing safe democratic rule and will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically bring some 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,” he said.

    Lagbaja highlighted the support the military has received from the government, citing the recent purchase of two Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters equipped with advanced sensors and enablers. He also mentioned the welfare of widows and family members of fallen heroes, which remains on course.

    The Army Chief also addressed the recent nationwide hunger protest, stating that it was an eye-opener that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges. He pledged the Army’s resolve to review its agricultural policy and provide security cover for farmers in critical farming communities.

    Furthermore, Lagbaja revealed that the Nigerian Army has acquired other combat enablers, such as Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, rifles, and ammunition, to strengthen operations and security across the country.

     

  • Scale up efforts in tackling insecurity – COAS charges commanders

    Scale up efforts in tackling insecurity – COAS charges commanders

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged Nigerian Army Field Commanders at all levels to scale up efforts in tackling security challenges.

    He also urged then to improve upon the protection of Nigerians from unconventional threats confronting the nation.

    Lagbaja gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2023 on Friday in Maiduguri, Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

    He directed them to immediately shore up measures aimed at enhancing military operations and ensuring the safety and protection of citizens across the country.

    Lagbaja 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 army was constitutionally charged to protect.

    He urged them to make good use of the outcomes of vibrant and robust interactions during the conference, following updates on army intelligence and review of operations across the country,

    The COAS said that all commanders should do all within their ambit to enhance operations in a manner that justified the resources committed to the nation’s security, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

    He said the conference had provided participants with veritable platforms to review their past achievements, assess current challenges, and strategize for the future in the broader context of national security.

    Lagbaja added that the conference had afforded them quality time to review army training, operations, and administrative activities that directly related to the theme of the conference which is: ”Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a Joint Environment.”

    According to him, the deliberations at the conference have addressed various issues relating to troops’ morale, physical and conceptual components of army fighting power and lecture during the conference has further reenforced the importance of whole-of-society approach in the successful conduct of operations to mitigate security challenges.

    “The task ahead of the military is enormous. Therefore, 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,” he said.

    In conformity with one of the cardinal pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy, which is “sound administration”, Lagbaja presented cheques to officers and soldiers wounded in combat through the Group Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme.

    The scheme catered for the medical bills of personnel wounded in combat.

    The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his staunch support to army.

    He assured of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the army  to the defence of democracy and upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

  • Tinubu directs immediate payment of deceased soldiers’ insurance – COAS

    Tinubu directs immediate payment of deceased soldiers’ insurance – COAS

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate payment of insurance entitlements owed families of officers and soldiers who died while fighting to defend the nation.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made this known at the opening of the Combined Second and Third Quarters COAS Conference, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The conference is being attended by army field commanders and heads of institutions and establishments.

    Lagbaja said said that the welfare of troops and their families was of paramount importance, and pledged to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of troops and their families to keep them focused on their tasks.

    “In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high- quality post-service homes for our soldiers work.

    “We shall also ensure that our injured warriors get the best medical care and continue to support the widows and next-of-kin of our fallen heroes.”

    Lagbaja appreciated President Tinubu for directing that all pending insurance payments owed the families were paid without delay, and for his strategic guidance of the Armed Forces.

    “On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I want to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty and pledge our total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    The COAS urged army personnel to continue to work with other security agencies to decisively deal with all security challenges facing the country.

    He told the participants of his Command Philosophy, which was to “transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained force, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

    According to him, the philosophy would guide and drive the actions and engagements of the army in all operations within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria.

    In his address, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, said the conference was for the officers to brainstorm on the state of affairs of the Nigerian army and develop plans for future engagements.

    Ibrahim said the conference was also an avenue for the COAS to physically convey his command philosophy to the field commanders and heads of institutions and establishments.

    He said the kinetic operations of the army across various theaters of operations had continued to record unprecedented successes, just as the non-kinetic efforts had continued to yield desirable outcomes.

    “We are encouraged not to be demoralised by the incident in Niger State, but intensify our efforts to make the adversaries to continuously pay for their sins until they disappear or surrender.

    ”This conference is designed to provide us with a platform to reflect on achievements while appraising our operations and activities in the second and third quarters of this year in order to obtain plans that align with our overall goals.

    “It will also provide us the unique opportunity to engage in honest discussions and insightful conversations and decisions that will guarantee more successes in our operations,” he said.

    Lagbaja used the occasion to present new Toyota Hilux vehicle each to eight Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) from different army units and formations.

     

  • Coup: Army will defend Nigeria’s democracy at all cost – Lagbaja

    Coup: Army will defend Nigeria’s democracy at all cost – Lagbaja

    As the neighbouring Niger Republic became the latest West African country to experience a military coup, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has declared that the Nigerian military will always defend the nation’s democracy at all costs using every constitutional means.

    Lt. General Lagbaja spoke at the Passing Out Parade of officers of Executive Commission Course One of the Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State, on Saturday.

    “He emphasized that the desire of every Nigerian is a flourishing, uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance, that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation,” the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement.

    He is assuring of the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to stoutly defend the nation’s territorial integrity and ensure internal security against non-state actors such as Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, Indigenous People of Biafra (POB) and other criminal elements.

    The COAS, however, warned that the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist groups in the North East, kidnappings and banditry in the North West and North Central as well as secessionist agitations by IPOB in the South East could undermine the nation’s cherished corporate existence and national security if they not immediately nipped in the bud.

    The Army chief is asking the graduating officers to get ready for work.

    According to the Army chief, the graduating officers must therefore brace up for the arduous task ahead. He said most of them will be deployed to the battlefields where their services are highly needed to surmount all security threats.

    He is also warning the officers against indulging in any form of insubordination and to remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties of protecting their fatherland.

    “I, therefore, charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties,” the COAS added.

     

  • Nigerian Army to improve welfare of personnel

    Nigerian Army to improve welfare of personnel

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has disclosed the Nigerian Army would improve the welfare of personnel for efficient performance in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

    Maj.- Gen. Lagbaja stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Project Management Workshop 2023 for Nigerian Army project officers at Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi.

    Lagbaja who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander 4 Special Forces Doma, said the welfare of the personnel was paramount.

    He said “notable achievements in combating terrorism, banditry and various unscrupulous elements across the country were greatly attributed to the enhancement of personnel’s welfare.

    “Achieving this command philosophy is contingent upon a resolute psychological influence that instils willingness to engage in combat, which can be accomplished by exhibiting adequate care for the well-being of personnel.

    “This entails a sound administration through purposeful welfare programmes for personnel and members of their families, to enhance their well-being.

    “Some of the welfare packages will include the construction/rehabilitation of facilities across Nigerian Army formations and units, including accommodation, office complexes, training schools and other support facilities in the barracks,” he said.

    The COAS said the workshop sought to refresh officers on modern best practices and processes in risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army.

    He said the workshop would offer an opportunity to appraise previous performances in project management with a view to achieving better outcomes with limited resources.

    “The Nigerian Army executes most of its projects through direct labour.

    “Therefore, project officers responsible for the execution of these projects or supervising contracted projects, must be competent and proficient in risk management in the delivery of high-quality projects.

    “It is on this note that the theme of this workshop which is, “Efficient risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army,” is appropriate.

    “The topics for presentation and discussion will no doubt broaden participants’ knowledge on risk management in project execution.

    “I therefore enjoin you to take maximum advantage of this Workshop to build capacity and develop competence.

    “I am hopeful that the intellectual discourse during this Workshop will provide useful policy options for contemporary and future projects delivery.”

    Lagbaja said he would support all measures seeking to better the living and working conditions of personnel.

    He said the army would continue to work assiduously with the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force as well as other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure enduring peace in the nation.

    He urged the participants to put in their best and adopt a resolute attitude of excellence in carrying out their responsibilities as Nigerian Army project officers.

    Earlier, Maj.- Gen. Shamsideen Shafaru, Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, said the workshop was aimed at improving the capacity of participants on the global best practices in project management.

    Shafaru said the anticipated outcomes of the workshop included identification, assessment and prioritisation of risks in construction, which will serve as the basis for better coordination and application of resources to minimise and control the probability of unfortunate events.

    “This is targeted at updating participants on common risk management practices in construction work, with the goal of ensuring safety and efficient use of project resources within the Nigerian Army.

    “Resource persons within and outside the military have been carefully selected as presenters, discussants and moderators to share their wealth of knowledge and experience with the participants. I therefore urge all participants to take the workshop seriously in order to maximise its benefits.

    “I must acknowledge that the Nigerian Army Special Projects unit has continued to enjoy effective supervisory efforts by engineering formations across the country through your guidance.

    “It suffices to state that the implementation of outcomes and recommendations following previous workshops have gone a long way in reshaping the capacity of engineer officers in project execution, supervision and delivery.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release will end insurgency in the Southeast – IPOB

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release will end insurgency in the Southeast – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has once again appealed to the presidency to consider releasing its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release will end insurgency in the Southeast.

    IPOB reacted to comments made by the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja over the sit-at-home order by Simon Ekpa.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the new COAS said that the Army no longer condone the sit-at-home order in the Southeast.

    The group said it’s not responsible for Mondays or failed seven-day and purported two-week sit-at-home orders and enforcement.

    A statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, reads: “IPOB worldwide condemns the statement credited to the Nigerian Army linking IPOB to the incessant and destructive sit-at-home orders and enforcement in the Southeast.

    “The Army chief, Gen Lagbaja Taoreed, will not claim ignorance of all the previous press releases written by IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu disassociating ourselves from Simon Ekpa and his criminal sit-at-home enforcers.

    “The reckless and abusive sit-at-home strategy is from the autopilot group led by Simon Ekpa. We have consistently made it known that Simon Ekpa and his autopilot group are not IPOB members and do not represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.

    “If indeed the Nigeria government and her security agencies are interested in the peace of the Eastern Region, they should release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, as pronounced by the Appeal Court of Nigeria in Abuja, and see their sponsored criminal agents using Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention to perpetrate crime go into oblivion and fade away.”

  • Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has approved the posting and redeployment of top senior officers to commands, instructional and staff appointments across formations and units in a major shake up in the Nigerian Army.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the redeployments and appointments were to reposition the Nigerian army for operational efficiency and functional administration.

    Those affected include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of Army Headquarters (AHQs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of  training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim had been redeployed from Headquarters  3 Division to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and  appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

    Nwachukwu said that Maj.-Gen. BR Sinjen had been appointed Chief of Operations (Army) while Maj.-Gen. OR Aiyenigba, erstwhile Provost Marshal had been appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

    Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola moves from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).

    “Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi from Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN) to Headquarters 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar moves from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

    “Also, Maj.-Gen. PP Mala, moves from Depot Nigerian Army to  Headquarters 7 Division as GOC and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East( NE)  Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force  NE Operation (OPHK) as Theatre Commander, while Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali was redeployed from OPHK to MNJTF as the Force Commander,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the appointment of Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. OO Oluyede had been appointed Commander Infantry Corps; Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Commander Corps of Artillery, and Maj.-Gen. AA Adeyinka, Commander of Corps of Supply and Transport.

    According to him, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe had been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, while Maj.-Gen. JO Ochai, takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy( NDA), and Maj.-Gen. IB Maina, Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.

    “Equally redeployed  are Brig.-Gen. TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig.-Gen. OG Onubogu moves to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant, while Brig.-Gen. N Ashinze moves to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion.

    “The Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col. AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting  Commander.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments,” he said.