President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty. He also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment to enhance combat efficiency.
The President disclosed this approval at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, held at the 3rd Armored Division Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday. Represented by the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, President Tinubu emphasized the Nigerian Army’s crucial role from the colonial era through post-independence and its ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s security, development, and continued existence.
“The Nigerian Army has been one of the most patriotic and selfless elements of our nation, embodying individuals who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought, and died for our peace,” Tinubu stated. He praised the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation, particularly in the last decade and a half, and acknowledged their deployment across all states of the federation to ensure security.
The President urged the Army to continue evolving to meet new challenges in a complex and ever-changing world. He highlighted the importance of adapting the security architecture to address emerging threats, ensuring that Nigerians feel safe in all aspects of their lives.
He charged the Army to maintain the progress made and develop strategies to prevent violent groups from overpowering peaceful and law-abiding citizens. He also encouraged collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and fellow citizens, recognizing the Army as the pride of the nation.
In his address, Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness in response to evolving violence and complex trends. He noted that since the last NADCEL celebration, the Army had acquired two helicopters, significantly curtailing bandit activities in the North West and reducing Boko Haram’s impact to an all-time low. He also mentioned efforts to mitigate the farmers/herders conflict in the North Central.
General Lagbaja emphasized the importance of improving the welfare and administration of troops, citing the launch of an affordable housing scheme that has already provided over 500 apartments for soldiers. He highlighted the Army’s careful adherence to legal and ethical conduct, particularly in operations within civilian spaces.
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated the Nigerian Army’s mission to win all land battles in defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect national interests, and accomplish all tasks under civil authority. He appealed for understanding from Nigerians living near combat operations, explaining that military deployments aim to protect law-abiding citizens from violence by misguided individuals and groups.