Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued a directive to the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to actively pursue and eliminate economic saboteurs within their area of responsibility.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja delivered this charge while addressing the troops during his inaugural working tour to the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR). The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this announcement in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated that the primary focus of the Federal Government is economic recovery, security, and infrastructural development. He emphasized that meaningful economic recovery is contingent upon securing the nation’s oil industry, and he emphasized the pivotal role of the troops in this regard.
Furthermore, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja emphasized the importance of loyalty, discipline, and commitment to constitutional responsibilities. He stated that the troops’ loyalty must first and foremost be to the constitution and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff also urged the troops to strictly adhere to the codes of conduct governing the execution of their operations to ensure the safety and security of the society.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja expressed his desire to continually receive positive feedback regarding the Division’s troops throughout the duration of Exercise STILL WATERS III.
During his visit, the COAS inaugurated significant projects and critical operational platforms designed to enhance amphibious operations in the Niger Delta region. He highlighted the procurement of 10 Gunboats as a significant milestone, with efforts underway to acquire more platforms that will boost the army’s operational capabilities in the riverine domain.
Additionally, the COAS underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, emphasizing the need for personnel from various security agencies to work together closely in a multi-agency environment to enhance inter-agency cooperation.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, expressed his appreciation to the COAS for his strategic, moral, and financial support to the Division. He also discussed the objectives of Exercise STILL WATERS III, which include effective operational planning, logistics preparation, and Military Operations Other than War, as well as tactical amphibious operations. The exercise will also focus on civil-military activities to win the support of the local populace.
The visit’s highlights included the flagging off of Exercise STILL WATERS III in Rivers and a courtesy call on Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Additionally, the COAS inaugurated 10 Gunboats, a remodeled 6 Division Headquarters Complex reception, twin Regimental Sergeant Majors quarters, an Ordnance tailoring factory, a remodeled Corpers’ Lodge, and a new office complex to accommodate the Headquarters 26 Support Engineer Regiment, among other developments.