Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has appealed to Nigerians who have taken up arms against the state to understand that the country’s economy can thrive only in an atmosphere of peace.

He said, “I’m appealing to Nigerians who have taken up arms against the state to see the reason that it’s only in an atmosphere of peace that the economy can thrive, experience progress, and all those things they desire from the government can be realised.”

Lagbaja, who fielded questions from journalists after the commissioning of the New Armoured Corps Headquarters at the Obienu Barracks in Bauchi, said the disgruntled elements should instead seek dialogue and other means of addressing their grievances.

Gen. Lagbaja charged the troops to continue doing what they were doing and to remain disciplined, dedicated, and committed to the task the Army had been charged with under the Nigerian Constitution.

The army chief tasked the troops not to relent on what they were doing regardless of the challenges they faced but instead to soldier on until they accomplished peace and security in the nation.

He described the troops as the fulcrum of the fighting force and bedrock of their work as an army, hence placing them on the premium while getting feedback from them to address their challenges, including pay, promotion, and allowances.