On Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), emphatically stated that the Nigerian military will not allow itself to be used for undemocratic purposes or to facilitate any form of governmental overthrow.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Lagbaja made it clear that calls for military intervention to overturn democratically elected governments would be disregarded.
Lagbaja addressed the growing concerns about military takeovers, attributing them to a younger generation that has not experienced the consequences of military rule firsthand. He underscored that the Nigerian Army has worked hard over the past 25 years to build and maintain a new level of prestige and credibility, which they are determined to preserve.
“The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power,” Lagbaja stated. “As the Service that has faced significant image challenges due to previous military interventions in Nigeria, we are committed to safeguarding the democratic values we have worked so diligently to support.”
The Army Chief highlighted the ongoing support from both national and local governments, citing recent acquisitions like two BELL UH-1 Huey Helicopters, which are equipped with advanced technology for diverse missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation.
Lagbaja also addressed the welfare of widows and families of fallen soldiers, affirming that their support remains a priority. Additionally, he remarked on the recent nationwide hunger protests, noting that such events are a reminder of the interconnectedness between social and physical security, and the need for the military to address broader security challenges beyond just physical threats.
