The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has enunciated his plans and proposed operational strategy to combat the various forms of security challenges facing the country.

He promised to align with the frequent calls of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all security arms and agencies to synergise and provide a safer and secured Nigeria for the citizens.

Lagbaja made the promise while addressing reporters after visiting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday at his office in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.

He said: “I will like to thank President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me and for appointing me as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

“Following my assumption of command, I espoused my philosophy of command, viz: to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and operationally efficient army towards achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment.

“The encapsulation of my philosophy of command has taken into cognisance the jointness that the President and Commander-in-Chief has preached at every occasion that he has found to speak with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“So, my drive is to operate in synergy with other security agencies, sister services towards ensuring peace, stability to allow law-abiding citizens to go about their business, all across Nigeria.”

“To do this, I intend to focus on leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration of the troops.

“So, I will do all within my power to motivate the troops, not only to operate within the rules of engagement and codes of conduct, but they will be responsive to the weight of expectations and the yearnings of the ordinary Nigerians to ensure that at the end of the day, the people’s Army that we preach is what Nigerian citizens will find on the street.”

Asked if there was any specific directive from the President on the security chiefs during their inaugural meeting on Monday, Lagbaja said: “The meeting was short and it was meant to just introduce ourselves, having just assumed command about a week ago.

“And during the occasion, the President still espoused the need for us to still operate in synergy amongst ourselves and with other security agencies and we are going to work along that trajectory.”

Governor Makinde praised the Army for the stable security situation in Oyo State.

The governor promised that his administration would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the Army.

He said the cooperation of the Army with the government and the residents was responsible for the stable security enjoyed in the state.

Also, Lagbaja has pledged to prioritise the welfare of Army veterans.

The COAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, spoke yesterday in Ibadan at a programme, tagged: Veteran Happy Hour, organised to honour retirees as part of activities marking this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Lagbaja urged the citizens to provide actionable intelligence that would enhance the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities.

He said it was necessary for them to always consider themselves as part and parcel of the Army and support the efforts being made to tackle violent crimes.

The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (retd.), expressed appreciation to the COAS for recognising Army veterans and involving them in this year’s NADCEL.