The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged the troops of the Nigerian Army to be combat-ready at all times, saying the army was ready to defend Nigeria’s integrity if the need arises.
He further urged them to disregard any rumour peddling around that the army had been given a matching order to invade Niger Republic.
Lagbaja stated this on Monday as part of his maiden operational visit to 8 Division, Sokoto, where he inaugurated some buildings.
The army Chief noted that any information that does not emanate from defence headquarters is false and should be disregarded.
He, however, enjoined them to be combat-ready at all times stressing Nigerian Army was ready to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity if the need arises.
The army boss also assured the people of Sokoto State that the Nigerian Army will remain resolute in dealing with the prevailing security threats across the country.
He said the NA was committed to implementing Tinubu’s marching orders to the armed forces to decisively deal with all security challenges facing the country.
“In this regard, I want to state that the Nigerian Army under my watch will remain resolute in decisively dealing with any threat confronting the country,’’ he pledged.
He further disclosed that the 8 Division was formerly sited at Monguno , Borno state but was later moved to Sokoto in order to bring the security apparatus closer to the region in view of the emerging security challenges in the area.
“With the commissioning of this new edifice the soldiers and officers now have a conducive working environment, this will also enhance their performance,’’ he stated.
He thanked the former COAS, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya for providing the funds for the construction of the edifice.
He urged those in charge to imbibe the culture of maintenance, stressing that other remaining facilities would soon be provided.
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Maj Gen Godwin Mutkut thanked the Army chief for finding time to inaugurate the building despite his tight schedule.
Mutkut, who is also the Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji, promised that the edifice would be maintained.
