In a directive issued on Wednesday, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, instructed commanders in the North West region of the country to ensure swift attention to the administrative requirements of their subordinates.
He emphasized that taking such actions would enhance and uplift the spirits of troops engaged in operational duties.
During the conclusion of a three-day retreat for past and present commanders of operations in the North West in Abuja, Lagbaja, represented by Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, highlighted the significance of the North West region as a crucial trade hub, urging commanders to intensify their efforts towards restoring peace in the area.
He emphasized, “Commanders within the northwest region must exhibit qualities of courage, innovation, critical thinking, and effective communication. As this region plays a vital role in trade within the nation, it must be safeguarded for the collective benefit of the entire country.
“Commanders need to elevate their performance by promptly addressing the administrative needs of their subordinates to enhance the morale of our fighting force.”
The Army chief expressed that the retreat served to provide clarity on recent developments, reinforce positive aspects, and address operational shortcomings in army activities within the Northwest.
He indicated that the recommendations put forth would aid in enhancing the assessment of current circumstances for improved army performance.
“Our efforts have led to a reduction in incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and abduction in rural areas within the region. However, our focus now shifts to the movement of these criminal elements towards urban centers across the entire northwest.
“A key objective of this retreat was to evaluate operational logistics, administrative factors, as well as interagency cooperation and collaboration within the region.
“This necessitated reaching out to our experienced colleagues who have previously served in this area before retiring from the military,” he elaborated.
He urged them to embrace fully cooperation and collaboration in their operations, reiterating the importance of close engagement and working relationships with other relevant agencies and services.
He emphasized that a united effort is essential to ensure the safety of Nigerians as they go about their daily activities without fear of any form of harassment or intimidation.
In his contribution, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (retd.), the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, underscored that all ongoing operations by the armed forces were being conducted in coordination with other security agencies.
He underscored that the purpose of the retreat was to assess the performance of Nigerian army operations, evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and identifying areas for improvement.
He emphasized that the Nigerian military, particularly the army, possesses the capabilities to address the challenges at hand but necessitate the support of all stakeholders and society for successful outcomes.