Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has visited the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja at the Army Headquarters, seeking more military presence in Southern Kaduna to tackle banditry and other criminal activities.
Governor Uba Sani, the esteemed Governor of Kaduna State, paid a visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The purpose of Governor Sani’s visit was twofold: to extend his congratulations to Maj. Gen Lagbaja on his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff and to express his appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s exceptional performance during the General Commanding Officer (GOC) I Division NA’s tenure.
During the visit, Governor Sani emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Gen Lagbaja was a testament to his remarkable accomplishments in previous assignments. The Governor also commended General Lagbaja for effectively combating banditry and other criminal activities along the Abuja-Kaduna road and the Birnin Gwari general area while serving as the GOC 1 Division.
Governor Sani’s Plea For Increased Military Intervention In Southern Kaduna
In his meeting with COAS Maj. Gen Lagbaja, Governor Sani urged for further military intervention, particularly through the deployment of additional troops, in Southern Kaduna.
This region falls under Operation SAVE HAVEN (OPSH) and requires enhanced efforts to combat the growing menace of bandit activities and other criminal elements. Recognising that security is a collective responsibility, the Governor affirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in securing the state.
Governor Sani highlighted the importance of building upon the solid foundation laid by Gen Lagbaja in Kaduna to restore peace in the troubled areas. He expressed his desire for consolidated efforts to combat banditry, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
COAS Maj. Gen Lagbaja’s Response And Call For Collaboration
COAS Maj. Gen Lagbaja welcomed Governor Sani’s visit as an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to receive first-hand feedback on the security situation in Kaduna State. This valuable information would enable strategic military operational engagements in the area.
Gen Lagbaja acknowledged the support and positive relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Kaduna State Government during his tenure as the GOC 1 Division, which greatly contributed to restoring peace and stability in the state.
The COAS called for the mobilization of critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the clergy, to collaborate with the military in combating insecurity.
He emphasised the significance of information gathering in military operations and urged the Governor and other influential figures to actively participate in this effort.
Furthermore, Gen Lagbaja expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for the infrastructural support provided by the state to the Army.
He assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to restore stability not only in Kaduna State but also in the adjoining states.
The meeting between Governor Sani and COAS Maj Gen Lagbaja exemplified the importance of collaboration between government officials and the military to address the pressing security concerns in Southern Kaduna.
Their discussions centred on the need for increased military intervention, consolidation of achievements, and the involvement of key stakeholders in restoring peace and stability.
By working together, they aim to create a safer environment for the people and foster long-lasting security in the region.