The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, announced on Thursday that troops have intensified their operations across various regions of the country, leading to the neutralization of numerous terrorists, including their leaders, and the rescue of several abducted Nigerians in recent times.
He made this statement during his keynote address at the third-quarter media chat for 2024, held in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
Represented by Major General Hilary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Force Command, Lt General Lagbaja also noted that these military operations have contributed to the restoration of socio-economic activities in some crisis-affected communities.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has intensified operations across various regions with tailored strategies to address the unique security threats in each region. I am pleased to report significant successes in these efforts across multiple theatres.
“These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socio-economic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
“In response to recent human-made and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities. We leveraged our unique competencies, as demonstrated in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri.”
Lagbaja described media as a crucial link between the military and the public to ensuring accountability and fostering mutual trust.
He explained that despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement, ‘challenges persist, and forums like this help address some of these challenges in the relationship.’
He added, “To foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, it is vital to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect.
“We must establish regular communication channels to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations and timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence.
He however urged media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on the Nigerian Army’s activities, balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information.
“It is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
“I must emphasize that such content can be easily created with manipulative technological tools; hence, media practitioners are urged to verify information before disseminating it to the public,” COAS submitted
