…condoles Yar’Adua’s family, Katsina State Govt over Hajiya Dada’s passing
By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commenced a working tour of the 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility in North West Nigeria, aimed at assessing and revitalizing ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. The COAS arrived at the 17 Brigade’s Headquarters in Katsina State on Friday, accompanied by the Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations in his statement issued on Friday said, the COAS, during his visit received a comprehensive briefing on the security situation and operational disposition of the Brigade from the Commander, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola.
Addressing the troops, General Lagbaja emphasized the importance of enhancing operational tempo to effectively combat the security challenges in the region.
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing efficient leadership, sound administration, and operational effectiveness, as enshrined in his Command Philosophy.
The COAS also underscored the various welfare initiatives implemented by the Nigerian Army to boost troop morale, including the payment of outstanding Group Life Assurance scheme arrears, the introduction of the Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme, and the Affordable Housing Options for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) post-service housing scheme.
Additionally, he mentioned that the COAS Loan Schemes were aimed at economically empowering personnel and their families.
General Lagbaja further visited the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he directed the installation of essential medical equipment. He also paid tribute to fallen troops at the 17 Brigade Headquarters Cenotaph.
During a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Government House, Governor Dr Dikko Umar Radda acknowledged the significant security improvement, enabling farmers to return to their farmlands.
The Governor attributed this progress to the collaborative efforts of security agencies and urged communities to continue providing credible information to support the troops.
The COAS expressed appreciation for the support of the Katsina State Government and people, emphasizing the importance of Civil-Military Cooperation in achieving operational success.
In a condolence visit to the family of the late Hajiya Dada Yar Adua, General Lagbaja described her passing as the loss of a legendary and virtuous matriarch of the Nigerian Army family.
He prayed for the family’s fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
