The Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Uba Sani, paid a visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Governor Sani congratulated Maj Gen Lagbaja on his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff and commended the Nigerian Army for its exceptional performance under his leadership as the General Commanding Officer (GOC) I Division NA. The Governor expressed his appreciation for Gen Lagbaja’s track record of achievements in previous assignments, which led to his appointment by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Sani also praised Gen Lagbaja for his efforts in combating banditry and other criminal activities along the Abuja-Kaduna road and the Birnin Gwari general area during his tenure as the GOC 1 Division.
Furthermore, Governor Sani appealed for increased military intervention, specifically the deployment of more troops to Southern Kaduna, which falls under Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH). He highlighted the need to address the menace of banditry and other criminal elements in the area.
The Governor pledged his support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in securing the state, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility. He called for the continuation of the solid foundation laid by Gen Lagbaja in the fight against banditry, with the aim of restoring peace to the troubled areas of Kaduna.
In response, the COAS acknowledged the significance of the Governor’s visit, as it provided the Nigerian Army with firsthand feedback on the security situation in the state. Gen Lagbaja emphasized the importance of strategic military operational engagements in response to the information received. He also recognized the support and good relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Army during his tenure as the GOC 1 Division, which contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the state. Gen Lagbaja requested the same level of cooperation and support for the new GOC, Major General BA Alabi, to consolidate the gains achieved.
The COAS appealed for the mobilization of critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the clergy, to support the military in addressing the root causes of insecurity. He emphasized the significance of information gathering in military operations.
Gen Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the Governor for the infrastructural support provided by the state and assured that the Nigerian Army is ready to restore stability in Kaduna State and its adjoining states.
The visit by Governor Sani highlights the collaboration and shared commitment between the Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Army in addressing the security challenges faced by the state, with a specific focus on the troubled areas of Southern Kaduna.
