The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, announced on Thursday that the Nigerian Army has intensified its operations across various regions, resulting in substantial successes. These efforts have led to the neutralization of numerous terrorists, including their leaders, and the rescue of several abducted Nigerians.
Lt. General Lagbaja made these remarks during his keynote address at the third-quarter 2024 media chat held in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The COAS was represented by Major General Hilary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command.
He noted that the intensified operations have also contributed to restoring socio-economic activities in communities previously impacted by conflict. According to him, the Army’s strategies have been tailored to address the unique security challenges in different regions of the country.
“The Nigerian Army has intensified operations across various regions with strategies designed to tackle region-specific security threats. I am pleased to report that these efforts have yielded significant successes,” Lagbaja said. “These include the neutralization of terrorists, the rescue of abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socio-economic activities in affected communities, which has allowed internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes.”
He also highlighted the Army’s contributions to national economic recovery, particularly in boosting crude oil production and enhancing food security. Special patrols and escort duties have ensured that farmers can safely cultivate their crops.
“In addition, we have activated our emergency response capabilities to address both human-made and natural disasters, as demonstrated in our handling of the recent flood incident in Maiduguri,” the COAS added.
Lt. General Lagbaja emphasized the critical role of the media in bridging the gap between the military and the public. He acknowledged the progress made in improving communication but noted that challenges still exist in the relationship between the Army and the media.
“To foster effective collaboration, it is crucial to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect. Regular communication channels should be established to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations, counter disinformation, and build public confidence,” Lagbaja stated.
He urged media practitioners to prioritize responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting on the Nigerian Army’s activities, balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information.
“It is also essential to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security. Such content can easily be created using manipulative technological tools, which is why I call on media professionals to verify information before dissemination,” he concluded.
