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  • Lagbaja’s lecture in UI: Matters arising

    Lagbaja’s lecture in UI: Matters arising

    • By Francis Olufemi Jegede

    It was the first strategic personality lecture of the Institute for Peace and strategic studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, University of Ibadan (UI) and the first strategic personality lecturer was the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. The title of his lecture was “Combating an Adversary Without Boundaries: The need to implement a whole of society approach to Nigeria’s National Security”.

    However, that was not the original lecture topic as proposed by the organisers. The organisers had used “Combating an Enemy without Boundaries”, but the Chief of Army staff replaced the noun “enemy” with “adversary” arguing that in professional semantics, there is a difference between an enemy and adversary. But what is the difference?

    Listen to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja: “those Nigerians who take up arms as terrorists, violent extremists, insurgents and bandits and are being engaged for their criminal activities cannot be referred to as enemies but rather adversaries because they are Nigerians. In military or security contexts, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja explained, “an adversary typically refers to a person, group or action that is considered a threat or opposition. When there is a conflict or crisis over political, economic or social issue in the country, it is simply an internal security challenge. And the Police is constitutionally the lead agency. Thus, the violent Non State Actors (NSAs) involved in such conflicts or crises are tagged adversaries, rather than enemies”.

    An enemy on the other hand, according to the Army boss, ‘is a hostile nation or its armed forces especially in times of war. Essentially a military force may engage in war on behalf of a state against the armed forces of another state. In this example, both military forces would consider themselves enemies, because they fight a war for interest territorial integrity of their states at the request of the political leadership. Having clarified the concepts, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja who dissected various challenges confronting Nigeria and their causes noted with sadness that today’s technological environment has created some negative consequences, which he said included the ability of violent NSAs or Nigeria’s adversaries to relate seamlessly in real time using artificial intelligence platforms to wreak havoc on their target country and may even be done with support from collaborators in neighbouring countries and beyond.

    “Boko Haram for instance is affliated to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, while ISWAP has linkage with the global Islamic state. Nigeria’s boundary or borders therefore is of little effect or deterrence to their activities. In the case of Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra [IPOB] is able to raise funds from Finland, where he is domiciled to foment troblue in Nigeria.  Nnamdi Kanu, the other factional IPOB leader who also raised funds for the movement was living in the UK before his arrest. He also used a radio station in that country UK to whip-up sentiments and agitations against a legitimately elected democratic government in Nigeria.

    According to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu “another issue that exists in our contemporary society is the anarchical nature of the international system. This can be clearly gleaned from the earlier activities of Nnamdi Kanu who operated freely from the UK. This shows that some western countries may be quick to advocate democratic practices when issues of governance arise, but sometimes fail to support a democratic country when the need arises. Secondly, countries like Israel pursue their national interests engaging organisations tagged terrorists with strong support of the West in furtherance of the acclaimed global ‘war on terror’. What is clear, is that the same level of assistance given to countries like Israel, cannot be said to have been provided to Nigeria in the face of heightened threats to Nigeria’s national security by violent extremist organisations.

    Read Also: Lagbaja tasks soldiers to rise against security challenges through technology

    Tracing the causes of violence in Nigeria, Gen. Lagbaja noted that the twin problems of unemployment and poverty has given impetus to security challenges, as the unemployed and poor are susceptible to recruitment by criminals and violent NSAs. Unfortunately, the global financial crisis which has prevailed since 2008 has not spared Nigeria, as unemployment has risen alongside poverty.

    However, as part of its strategies to win the wars and respect human rights, the Army boss disclosed that the Nigerian Army had established human rights desks across its formations, which are under the supervision of the Department of Civil-Military Affairs. A robust Code of Conduct and Rules on the use of force have been produced to guide personnel when deployed in internal security. The Nigerian Army has also taken deliberate steps to investigate all allegations of human rights abuses against it and where violations occur, sanctions are applied in line with extant laws and regulations.

    Again, Gen. Lagbaja who insisted that winning the war required the active participation of all stakeholders stressed that there was a need for security awareness and education for all segment of the country. The Ministry of Education could lead this to ensure that security education is part of students’ curriculum irrespective of the level. The National Orientation Agency, as part of the larger Ministry of Information, should also raise its campaign on this.

    In conclusion, Gen. Lagbaja observed that implementing a whole-of-society approach in Nigeria involves leveraging the strength of every stakeholder to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response to threats. To achieve this, there must be enhanced communication, cooperation and trust among the different sectors while also ensuring that their efforts are aligned with national interests and other security objectives. The strategy can potentially address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment and social injustice often exploited by adversaries.

    It is stating the obvious to say that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a thorough professional who absolutely understands the nitty-gritty of his job. His enviable exploits in various theatres of war within and outside the country prior to his appointment are well-documented. He is an asset to this country. As his childhood friend, I am proud to say that, apart from his uncommon bravery, commitment and courage, the hand of God is obviously upon this Army Chief. In our chit-chat shortly after his commissioning ceremony into Nigerian Army on Saturday, 19 September, 1992 in company of Bamidele James Akinpelu, the then young Lagbaja charged us to be praying for him because, according to him, “I have decided to lay my  life down for the betterment of Nigeria” Those of us around him were shocked and scared by his deathly declaration. The trip from Ibadan to NDA depot in Zaria was then our biggest adventure in the middle of our exams for the academic session. But today, see what God has done  with his life. His is a story of divine protection and assistance. We are so happy for him.

    It was against this background that we decided to honour him shortly after his lecture in UI through the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu who represented him. We were delighted to present him our gift and some other gifts by the Institute, because he has done well. The icing on the cake was the Investiture of the Army Chief with the Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp) ably performed by the President of the Society, Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila (fspsp) on behalf of the BOT, chaired by Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro (fspsp). May God continue to protect our own Chief of Army Staff and his troops.

    • Jegede (07066622111) is with the University of Ibadan. Email: francisolufemijegede@gmail.com
  • Fireboy DML: Lagbaja recorded back n forth with me in the studio with mask on

    Fireboy DML: Lagbaja recorded back n forth with me in the studio with mask on

    Nigerian music star, Fireboy DML has revealed how Lagbaja remained masked up even when he recorded one of his new songs, back n forth with him in the same studio.

    Firebody DML made this known while responding to his experience working with the multi-instrumentalist, composer and performer.

    Read Also; Alleged ritual, kidnapping: Police confirm incident in Abuja

    “You would not believe this: [Lagbaja] was masked up in the studio. It was crazy—I did not get to see his face. I had a few interesting thoughts; I wanted to ask him if I could see his face! But you know, all that matters is that we made the music. That’s what makes Lagbaja, Lagbaja. You know, “lagbaja,” where I’m from, in the Yoruba language, means like, “Mr Nobody,” an anonymous person; so it’s only right that I  do not get to see his face.

    He continued saying, “I’m glad he got to be on the record—a special person, a special artist, a special record. That’s a special record, right there. It means a lot to me getting a legend like Lagbaja on that record, in [the] time that we are in now. One major theme around the album is nostalgia—there’s this nostalgic feeling when you listen to the album, so it’s only right that I employed my legends in the game to help me push this message. Right from the very beginning, I knew this record was special, and I could not wait for everyone to listen to it.”

  • Army on path of victory against insecurity, says Lagbaja

    Army on path of victory against insecurity, says Lagbaja

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja has said that reports from various formations and commands across the country indicate that the army is on victory path against insecurity..

    Lagbaja said this in his closing remarks  on Thursday at the just concluded five-day Chief of Army combined 2nd and 3rd quarters conference 2024 which held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

    He said, “The conference also enabled us to confirm the level of implementation of our policies and decisions at the last conference. We also utilize the conference to fine tune our last quarter activities for the year, particularly as we transit to the popular ember month of the year

    “I must say that the feedback from the various commanders is encouraging. They show that the prevailing security challenges facing our dear nation, though daunting, are surmountable and that we are indeed on the right path to victory”

    “I assure Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue to collaborate with its sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives and properties across the country, i encourahe law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the government and the security forces in the efforts to make our country save and prosperous.

    He expressed appreciation to the participants for their sincerity and passion through the deliberation, even he stated that the Secretariat has adequately captured the decisions arrived at during the deliberations.

    Read Also: Nigerian Army won’t succumb to calls to disrupt democratic governance, says Lagbaja

    “I believe that the Secretariat has adequately captured the decisions arrived at during our deliberation and will decimate them in good time after my approval”

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno performed groundbreaking for the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) project at Nsit Atai – Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state. 

    Eno represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN commended Lagbaja for the landmark initiative which aimed to provide quality, affordable, and secure home ownership options for soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

    He emphasized the significance of the AHOOAS project in boosting the morale and well-being of the troops, which is essential for maintaining a strong and effective military force. Additionally, he highlighted that housing is a critical focal point of his administration.

    In his remarks, Lieutenant General Lagbaja reiterated the importance of the AHOOAS project as part of his broader strategy to enhance the quality of life for Nigerian Army personnel.

     He expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government for its support and collaboration in bringing this project to fruition. 

    He further emphasized that the ground breaking ceremony represents a critical step in the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of soldiers by offering affordable,  quality and secure housing options  with discounted prices and payment plan options, thus ensuring they have the necessary support to continue their dedicated service to the nation.

    Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), Major General Joseph Omali, highlighted the critical role of the AHOOAS project in addressing the housing needs of soldiers.

    He noted that the project aligns perfectly with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel. Major General Omale expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and the Akwa Ibom State Government for their support and commitment to making this project a reality.

  • COAS to soldiers: we must win all land battles in defence of Nigeria

    COAS to soldiers: we must win all land battles in defence of Nigeria

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to put all hands on deck to ensure that the Army wins all land battles in the defence of the country’s territorial integrity and protection of its interests.

    General Lagbaja also tasked the officers and soldiers to be creative and innovative in their battle against the various security challenges confronting the Country.

    The Army Chief gave the charge on Friday while speaking at the graduation ceremony of Warrant Officers’ Academy Course 43 of 2024 at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

    While congratulating the 80 graduands on the completion of 22 weeks of training at the Academy, the Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the GOC 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-General Lander Saraso, expressed confidence that the graduates have been prepared to earnestly contribute to more efficient operations in their respective units and formations.

    He charged them with innovation and creativity, saying, “I want to also urge you all to be innovative and creative as we march towards tackling and resolving the security challenges currently confronting our great country.

    “All hands must continue to be on deck in ensuring that the Nigerian Army continue to achieve its mission of winning all land battles in the defence of the country’s territorial integrity and protection of its interest thereby providing the required security for our dear nation.

    Read Also: Tinubu lists benefits of Lagos-Calabar coastal road

    “I believe the professional skills you have acquired during the course have adequately equipped you to bridge the knowledge and leadership gaps between the officers and soldiers in your various units and formations.

    “Accordingly, it is hoped that the training you have undergone will reflect in your confidence, comportment, skills and overall bearing while discharging your responsibilities in the field. I have no doubts that you are now better prepared to earnestly contribute to ensuring better administration and more efficient operations in your respective units and formations.

    “I therefore charge you to employ the knowledge and skills acquired here to project your leadership and managerial capabilities for the benefit of the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces of Nigeria in whatever capacity you are deployed,” COAS said.

    Speaking on the role of the Warrant Officer Academy in personnel development, the COAS said: “The Academy has contributed immensely to the ongoing transformation efforts of the Nigerian Army through effective training of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to enable them better discharge their responsibilities and bridging the gap between soldiers and officers cadre.

    “The role played by this institution is more critical at this time when our country is faced with myriads of security challenges. I am glad to note that the Academy has so far been able to achieve this through focused training that has prepared its graduates to confront challenges in line with my philosophy, which is ‘To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment’.”

    The COAS expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and continued support to the Nigerian Army in its resolve to reposition the army for effective service delivery, adding that the continued support has significantly enhanced the combat effectiveness and morale of troops.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant Warrant Officer Academy, Brigadier General Auwal Mahmuda said the Course is a 22-week training covering intense field training and a measure of its activities designed to enhance the capacity of Warrant Officers and senior non-commissioned officers.

    “It is also aimed at developing the leadership and management skills of the students in order to equip them to efficiently interpret and communicate command decisions down the line, thereby bridging the gap between the officers and soldiers’ cadre,” he said.

    The Commandant assured that the graduates have been equipped to perform in the event of being deployed to any theatre in the Nigerian Army’s effort to counter security challenges like insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities still prevalent across the country.

    The highlight of the graduation ceremony was the unveiling of a book titled ‘Mentoring Subordinates, written by Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ishaku, an Instructor in the Warrant Officer Academy.

  • Lagbaja assures soldiers, families of improved welfare

    Lagbaja assures soldiers, families of improved welfare

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says he was commuted to ensure the highest standards of administration to enhance the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.

    He said enhanced welfare would not only boost troops’ morale but ultimately enhance operational effectiveness.

    Gen Lagbaja said this at the opening ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week at Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

    According to a statement by an Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, May 7, the COAS said the theme of this year’s CAT Week theme, “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Improved Combat Arms’ Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” was very apt and relevant, as it resonates with one of the essential beams of his Command Philosophy, which is ‘Sound administration’.

    Gen. Lagbaja noted that sound administration was among several key indices that enhanced the operational efficiency of all formidable military forces over history.

    He said as someone who has lived extensively in the barracks he was not oblivious to the challenges of poor barracks accommodation, infrastructure decay in the army medical centres, schools, and other administrative issues that have negatively impacted unit administration.

    Read Also: Give your best to end insecurity in Nigeria, COAS tells soldiers 

    The COAS said that to bring succour to personnel and their families, he has initiated intervention programmes, specifically in the areas of accommodation, credit financing, and other family support schemes to enhance troops’ morale and build family resilience.

     “We have so far structured our intervention plan to make it more encompassing and adaptive to the prevalent economic reality of the nation”, he said.

    The army chief said this year’s CAT Week, presented an opportunity to restate his desire to improve the combat arms’ capabilities towards achieving the Nigerian Army’s constitutional obligation.

    The COAS charged the Combat Arms to leverage the skills and competencies inherent in the Support Corps to enhance their doctrine and capabilities needed to defeat contemporary threats.

  • How military curtailed insecurity that will have worsened over years – Lagbaja

    How military curtailed insecurity that will have worsened over years – Lagbaja

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja stated that the military’s efforts had prevented the insecurity that would have been worse than what the nation had experienced.

    He said the continuous injection of trained troops and specialist equipment into the theatres of operation for specialized operations, as well as intensified offensives have further degraded the activities of terrorists in the North East and bandits in the North West and North Central states.

    The COAS said this on Tuesday, April 16, at the Chief of Army Staff first quarter conference 2024, at the Command Officers Mess Abuja.

    He said also said troops’ operations in the South East against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network, and operations against oil thieves in the Niger Delta region have yielded positive results.

    The COAS said: “There is no denying that since we came on board, despite a few apparent challenges and setbacks, we have made considerable progress in stabilizing the country’s security. But for our concerted efforts, the insecurity that would have developed across the country is better imagined than experienced.

    “Our continuous injection of trained troops and specialist equipment into the North East theatre for specialized operations such as MOUNTAIN SANITY II, LAKE SANITY II, and DESERT SANITY III have continued to complement efforts to degrade ISWAP/JAS terrorist groups by the Theatre Command. These efforts have greatly improved the security situation in the North East and have expectedly enhanced the trust and confidence of the public towards our troops.

    “Similarly, intensified offensives to eliminate armed bandits and other criminal elements in the North West and North Central regions are yielding positive outcomes. We have continued to project forces in Operations HADARIN DAJI, FOREST SANITY, and WHIRL PUNCH while ramping up offensives to eliminate bandit enclaves.

    “These operations have destroyed criminal hideouts, neutralized scores of bandits, and subjected the remaining ones to situations where they are mainly on the run.

    “Relatedly, our troops deployed in the South-South and South East regions on Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation UDO KA have continued to perform creditably. Both operations have undoubtedly led to the neutralization of a significant number of IPOB/ESN criminals, the recovery of numerous weapons and ammunition, and the destruction of several illegal oil refineries.

    “Additionally, our collective efforts in Operations DELTA SAFE and UDO KA have substantially increased daily crude exploration output with a corresponding boost to Nigeria’s foreign reserve and other economic indices.”

    The army chief said that to enhance troops’ efficiency in the battlefields, the Nigerian Army had exposed troops to specialized training that are attuned to current realities and global best practices.

    “To this end, special initiatives were implemented in the first quarter of the year to enhance troop readiness through mission-focused training. Training exercises like SHINING STAR V, FAST BOLT II, and RESTORE HOPE VI, tailored to equip troops with the requisite knowledge and skills to address prevailing security challenges, were undertaken successfully,” he said.

    Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army has been commuted and remained a viable diplomatic tool for the government through consistent and effective contributions to national, regional, and global security.

    According to him, despite the army’s internal obligations, it had maintained a small but significant presence in ECOWAS, African Union, and United Nation-led interventions around the world as contingents and staff officers, military observers, and mission experts.

    He said: “Only recently, on the approval of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, the second company of the Nigerian contingent in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei was inducted on 5 April 2024.

    “This effort is geared towards upholding our commitment to maintaining global peace and security, particularly within the African Continent. Similarly, the Nigerian Army has extended its support to peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau by deploying troops and allocating resources.

    “This deployment underscores our steadfast commitment to providing capable peacekeepers as part of our contributions to global peace and security.

    “As we make more noticeable progress in ensuring peace, development, and economic prosperity at home, the Nigerian Army will make more troops and equipment available for deployment in Peace Support Operations within and outside the African continent.”

    While recapping the recent incident involving the loss of troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion in the Okuama community on 14 March 2024, where the Commanding Officer, three officers, and 13 soldiers were killed, the army chief described the incident as unfortunate.

    Read Also: Security challenges: COAS Lagbaja charges Commanding Officers to brace up training

    “We must remain steadfast and unwavering as military men. As leaders of our Army, we must create that awareness across the force that the season we are in is more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than before.

    “We must, therefore, continue to be adaptive, ingenious, innovative, and ready to take up more non-traditional military responsibilities if we must help our dear country survive the time we are in,” he said.

    The COAS said the Nigerian Army would continue to accord the welfare of the troops with utmost priority.

    He said: “As a way of improving troops’ welfare, new welfare initiatives are being implemented.

    “The Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), aimed at alleviating the hardship soldiers face in securing personal accommodation for post-service life, is one such measure.”

  • Kuriga Kids: Where is Lagbaja of Kaduna?

    Kuriga Kids: Where is Lagbaja of Kaduna?

    • By Yushau A. Shuaib

    Nigerian afrobeat musician Bisade Ologunde is better known by his stage name, Lagbaja. His signature face mask denotes him as the country’s everyman—the faceless individual. Lágbájá, a Yoruba word, means a person whose name and identity are purposely concealed or an invisible person. He is somebody, anybody, and everyone.

    It was pretty interesting, if not surprising, when in March 2021, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu State.

    I initially wondered how anyone would bear Lagbaja as a name beyond just a generic appellation. I later learned the indisputable fact—that the military officer’s family name evolved from his father’s car dealership business, Lagbaja Motors, in Osun State.

    As the GOC in Enugu, the peculiar Lagbaja displayed the uncanny leadership trait of being both hot and cool in instilling a high level of discipline among the troops. He sought to refine officers and men into the best version of their professional selves. With his carrot and stick approach deployed in equal measure, there was always reward for gallantry and good conduct in tandem with punishment for cowardice and misconduct.

    For instance, in June 2022, at the inauguration of a general court martial to try some soldiers for alleged indiscipline, Lagbaja stated that the process was to instill discipline by punishing erring officers in a manner that would serve as a deterrent to others. The next following, while honouring selected soldiers with motorcycles and letters of commendation for diligence, Lagbaja described their performances as laudable and charged others to emulate such exemplary conduct.

    After the death of Gen. Attahiru in a plane crash, the new COAS, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, redeployed Lagbaja to Kaduna State as the GOC of the 1st Division due to the deplorable activities of bandits and terrorists which had become a grave source of concern and was spilling into and constituting a threat to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. It was in Kaduna that General Lagbaja rose into a household name as he led the battle against violent criminals.

    Rather than simply mounting roadblocks, he and the troops waded deep into the forests, taking the war to the enemies in their conclaves. In the first month of assumption of office, Gen. Lagbaja stormed kidnappers’ dens and rescued the victims while leading fighting patrols in Manini village, Buruku, Udawa, Manini, Birnin Gwari, Doka, Maganda, Kuyello and Dogon Dawa communities. Apart from eliminating scores of bandits, others were captured alive.

    The next month, September 2022, troops struck the camps of the notorious banditry gangs of Boderi Isiya and Musti, responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy, the kidnapping of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation students, the attack on the Emir of Bungudu, among other atrocities. They eliminated kingpins such as Musti, Yellow Mai-Madrid, Dan-Katsinawa and fighters; battered corpses littered the areas along the Tollgate, Chikun and Sabon Gida.

    Similarly, in October 2022, the troops sustained their onslaught against bandits, recovering massive caches of weapons during the Operation Forest Sanity campaign traversing Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The clearance extended to Sabon Birnin-Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa and Tungan Madaki general area, with the interception of numerous fleeing bandits from Kagi Hill.

    From November 2022 till June 2023, Lagbaja-led operations wiped out many terrorists, freed hostages, recovered sophisticated weapons, ammunition and motorcycles. The then Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was so delighted with the successes that he regularly issued statements through his Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan. Former COAS, Gen. Yahaya, through Army spokesperson, Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, equally applauded Lagbaja and his gallant troops for their unrelenting zeal.

    In July 2023, after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Lagbaja, who was the arrowhead of the successes that troops were recording against bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers in Kaduna and surrounding states, was redeployed to an administrative position in the military high command in Abuja.

    Since then, Kaduna has not been the same, making me often ask about Lagbaja. We are now – very unfortunately – inundated with reports of attacks on worship centres, homes and the abduction of vulnerable people, especially women and schoolchildren. The situation in Kaduna is so disturbing that almost every month, there are devastating stories of woe and routine assault on the people who have become hapless victims of banditry and terrorism.

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    The PRNigeria Monthly Security Reviews provide glimpses of many of these atrocities. In January 2024, terrorists attacked Ungwan Sako, Kunkurai, and Dokan Kaji in Dawaki Ward in Kauru Local Government Area and abducted dozens of people after killing a number of the locals.

    In February, terrorists invaded Gindin Dutse Makyali village in the Kufana district of Kajuru and razed houses; at least 12 people were burnt to death in their rooms, as it became impossible to escape bandits shooting sporadically. They killed the Principal of Kuriga Secondary in Chikun for resisting an attempt to kidnap women, invaded Gwada and Kassam in Igabi, as well as areas in Kauru, killing and maiming. Scores were also abducted, including a retired Central Bank of Nigeria director.

    The month of March witnessed more daring attacks and massive kidnappings. After the daredevil bandits abducted over 280 Kuriga schoolchildren, another group of gunmen opened fire on worshippers during the Friday prayer at a Mosque in Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa community, a few days before the commencement of Ramadan.

    Terrorists also attacked the Kajuru-Station village and a nearby Dogon Noma community, where over 100 people were reportedly abducted, including women and children, as usual. Similar situations happened when the miscreants stormed Tantau ward and looted shops, before fleeing with dozens of men and women herded away like cattle. Even in the Buda community, also in Kajuru, no fewer than 61 locals were reportedly taken in another organised attack.

    Kidnapping for ransom has become an almost daily occurrence and lucrative business for criminal gangs as if the security services are powerless and helpless to stop them. While it is gladdening that the Kuriga kids’ freedom has been secured after they were held for more than two weeks, I still ask: Can’t we get another Lagbaja of Kaduna to re-strategise and lead the troops from the front to degrade criminal activities and restore the people’s confidence?

    _Yushau Shuaib, author of ‘An Encounter with the Spymaster’ and ‘Crisis Communication Strategies’, writes from Abuja_

  • Philip Uzo: How Lagbaja got me Glo gig

    Philip Uzo: How Lagbaja got me Glo gig

    Philip Uzo is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, who also doubles as singer and one of Lagbaja’s proteges.

    Uzo is not your average instrumentalist but one who has proved his worth in the Nigerian music industry after working with some of the biggest names in music and music production in Nigeria.

    His foray into the world of music began in 2000 and has worked with top names that include Lagbaja, Timaya, Asa, Sean Tizzle, Wizkid, The Cavemen, Wande Coal, Davido, Tems, Omawunmi, Mayorkun, and MasterCraft amongst several others.

    Describing himself, Uzo said, “I am a musician/creative who hails from the eastern part of Nigeria. A versatile musician not only in terms of music genres but also in terms of skill set within the music industry which includes Music Directing, Music Production, Curator and musicology. I am also skilled in playing instruments, such as the guitar, piano and clarinet.”

    Unknown to many, Uzo, who says his mind distinguishes him from his peers on the music scene, was one of the faces on the popular Glo advert, which also features his boss and mentor, Lagbaja.

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    He opened up on the experience saying, “Well, I got the glo gig through my mentor and boss Lagabja, my role in the ad of course was not only as a musician but also an actor. Yes, It did open quite a number of doors for me to be honest.”

    In 2023, the multi instrumentalist released his single, ‘Chineke,’ featuring The Cavemen. He also confirmed that as a music director, he is taking his singing skills to the next level.

    Uzo is of the opinion that his mind is where music begins as it is the place where his sound is determined and his musical approach is influenced.

    On his plans for the future, Uzo said, “Nigeria has made great strides in the international music scene with Afrobeat, but we can do even better with live performances. It’s time to take our music to the next level by bringing studio content to the stage. I am determined to establish a world-class music and creative city, similar to Hollywood, where raw talents can be nurtured, groomed, and prepared for the global market.”

  • COAS Lagbaja: military committed to defending Constitution

    COAS Lagbaja: military committed to defending Constitution

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has restated the commitment of the military to defending Nigeria’s democracy.

    He said the military has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance.

    Lagbaja spoke at a seminar on career planning and management organised by the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

    The COAS urged Army officers to remain above board in the discharge of their professional duties.

    He said: “Permit me to seize this opportunity to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Army, has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance.

    Read Also:Military has no intention to truncate Nigeria’s democracy, Lagbaja assures

    “We are, therefore, agents of democracy and have no desire to truncate it. The Nigerian Army will continue to defend our constitution and not suspend it for whatever reason.

    “It is the duty of our elected leaders to lead while the military does its job, as enshrined in our constitution. Nigerian Army personnel must, therefore, remain professional and be above board as they discharge their constitutional duties.”

    The Nation recalls that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had, after inaugurating the main entrance of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and Officers’ Transit Accommodation at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, assured that the Nigerian military would continue to defend and protect Nigeria’s democracy.

    His assurance followed the calls by some unpatriotic persons for the military to take over, like what happened in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

    Describing such individuals as enemies of Nigeria, the CDS said the military would go after such individuals and arrest them.

  • Military has no intention to truncate Nigeria’s democracy, Lagbaja assures

    Military has no intention to truncate Nigeria’s democracy, Lagbaja assures

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has restated the commitment of the Nigerian military to defend Nigeria’s democracy.

    He said the military has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance.

    The COAS said this at a seminar on career planning and management organised by the Army headquarters, in Abuja.

    Lagbaja charged officers of the Nigerian Army to remain above board in the discharge of their professional duties.

    He said: “Permit me to seize this opportunity to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Army has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance.

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    “We are therefore agents of democracy and have no desire to truncate it. The Nigerian Army will continue to defend our constitution and not suspend it for whatever reason.

    “It is the duty of our elected leaders to lead while the military does its job as enshrined in our constitution. Nigerian Army personnel must therefore remain professional and be above board as they discharge their constitutional duties.”

    The Nation recalls that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, had last month shortly after he inaugurated the main entrance of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Officers Transit Accommodation, at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, assured that the Nigerian military would continue to defend and protect democracy in the country.

    His assurance came after some unpatriotic individuals called for a military takeover, like what was obtained recently in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

    Describing such individuals as enemies of Nigeria, the CDS said the military would go after such individuals and arrest them.