The Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, Lt. General Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja, has announced the acquisition and deployment of modern equipment to bolster military operations nationwide. General Lagbaja made this disclosure at the fourth quarter 2023 Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat, themed “Media as a Force Multiplier in Nigerian Army Operations,” held in Sokoto State.
He highlighted the Army’s commitment to enhancing troop professionalism through comprehensive training and equipping, ensuring the effective discharge of their constitutional duties. According to General Lagbaja, “Modern equipment have been deployed to various theatres, with provision for more already finalized.”
Representing General Lagbaja, Major General Godwin Mutkut emphasized that the Army would continue to implement robust strategies spanning kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations. He urged the media to avoid propagating the activities of undesirable elements, emphasizing that terrorists seek attention and thrive on fear-mongering.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for the media to prioritize the country’s overall interest and the promotion of a peaceful environment for socioeconomic development. The Army, he assured, would seek more avenues to engage the media effectively to enhance the troops’ efforts on the battlefield.
The Army Chief and Special Guest of Honour lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the national security imperatives of the Nigerian Army and the confidence he has placed in them.
In his opening remarks, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs Maj. General Nosakhare Ugbo emphasized the media’s role as a force multiplier in Nigerian Army operations. He assured continued engagement with the media to enhance the troops’ operational activities and encouraged cementing the partnership between the media and the Nigerian Army.
He thanked General Lagbaja for his unwavering support and provision of resources for organizing the event.
The media chat also featured enlightening lectures by Major General Usman Muhammad (rtd) on effective civil-military cooperation and the role of the media in tackling insecurity in Nigeria, presented by Brig. General Usman Kukasheka (rtd). The event concluded with souvenirs presented to discussants, moderators, and participants.
