History has again been made in the Nigerian Army (NA) as Major General Taoreed Lagbaja today 23 June 2023 assumed command as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations in a statement said, in his maiden speech, General Lagbaja averred that the NA under his predecessor witnessed a milestone transformation with unprecedented procurement of equipment and prudent management of human and material resources. The new COAS crystalized his appointment as a commitment and calling to engender positive change and make a difference in a shared vision towards the fulfillment of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army, while pledging to serve the country with diligence and uphold the cherished values of the Nigerian Army.
While pursuing his illustrious career, General Lagbaja was General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 and 82 Divisions of the Nigerian Army. Until his appointment as the 23rd COAS, he was the Chief of Operations (Army) at the Army Headquarters.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya pointed out that he assumed command of the Army at a period when it was critical to sustain the onslaught against the adversaries in a security environment that was volatile, uncertain and complex. He further noted that the NA rose to the situation as a team and with the support from the government, remarkable successes were made in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other criminalities in the country. He added that today the situation has changed for the better.
Gen Yahaya commended personnel of the NA for their commitment and dedication to duty, adding, that through commitment, jointness and inter-service collaboration, bridges were built across the services, as well as paramilitary and other security agencies to effectively confront the security challenges.
Gen Yahaya, however, admitted that the successes recorded did not come cheap but with the supreme price paid by gallant officers and soldiers. He expressed satisfaction that he was leaving behind an Army that can confront any adversary. He urged NA personnel to extend the same support he enjoyed to his successor.
General Yahaya revealed that the operational successes of the NA have translated to the massive surrender of repentant terrorists in the North East in a manner that beats the expectations of international and local observers.
High points of the ceremony were the signing of handing and taking over notes, presentation of the command flag, decoration of the new Army Chief with Army Headquarters insignia, and the symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag, signifying the beginning of a new command.
