Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has vowed to win the battle to keep the country secure from violent extremists and other threats. He pledged on Monday while addressing the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.
Borno is the epicenter of the insurgency by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more in the past decade.
According to a report by Vanguard, Tinubu commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment to national security and urged the military to remain non-partisan and uphold democratic principles. He also assured the army of his administration’s support and provision of the necessary resources to enhance its operational capabilities.
“Our Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they are recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President,” said the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, at the conference.
Challenges and Achievements
The conference, themed “Developing a Professional and Versatile Army to Meet Contemporary Security Challenges”, was an opportunity for the army to review its performance in the past year and formulate strategies for the future.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, highlighted some of the challenges and achievements of the army in 2023. He said the army had significantly weakened the criminal elements and checked the farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
He also said the army had improved its professionalism and responsiveness through training, equipment, and welfare programs. He cited the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament to the president’s resolve to upgrade the national defense capability.
Lagbaja expressed his gratitude to the president for his approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes. He also thanked the president for his support for the welfare of serving personnel and their families.
The president also inaugurated some projects executed by the army in Borno state, including a medical center, a solar power plant, and a water treatment plant. These projects are part of the army’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the people and foster civil-military relations.
The president said he was impressed by the army’s contribution to the development of the state and the nation. He urged the army to continue to work with other security agencies and stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the country.
He also called on the people of Borno and other affected states to support the government and the military in their quest to end the insurgency and rebuild the region.
The president said he was optimistic that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and achieve a sustainable future for its citizens.
