By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every part of the country is safe and secure for all to live and carry out legitimate businesses.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Toareed Lagbaja stated this on Tuesday, during the opening of the combined second and third quarters Chief of Army Staff Conference 2024 held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Lagbaja said that the conference was inspired by the persistent security challenges in the Country, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, farmer/herder crisis and the recent #Endbadgovernance protest, which resulted in unrest and violence in many parts of the country.
The Army Chief appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as “a warm reception accorded his team in the state, and for leading a delegation of ranking officials to grace the opening ceremony of the Conference.”
Described Uyo as his second home, having had his best command experiences during his stint as Commander, 2 Brigade, he expressed satisfaction at the warmth, peaceful and hospitable nature of the people of the State which according to him, justified his confidence and choice of Akwa Ibom for this and subsequent Army conferences.
While declaring the Conference open, Governor Umo Eno reassured of his administration’s commitment to providing assistance to the Nigerian Army as he fulfills the ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno, who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, noted that his development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, gives priority to security adding, one of the key components of the ARISE Agenda, is security.
“As a matter of fact, the ‘S’ in the ARISE Agenda stands for ‘Security Management.’ This shows our commitment to maintaining security and part of the first acts I performed shortly after my inauguration was to set up a full-fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by one of your own—General Koko Essien (retd.).
“We have also created the Ibom Community Watch (ICW), a community-based security outfit that serves to complement the activities of the security agencies with intelligence and physical presence, deploying their deep knowledge of their localities,” he said.
The Governor further noted that, “The state government created the Joint Maritime Operations/Task Force, procured and deployed 14 patrol boats in response to the littoral nature of our State and the threats posed by sea pirates, militants, and kidnappers within our waterways. We have also donated Hilux trucks to assist the Police in real-time response to combat crimes.”
He appreciated the Nigerian Army for her immense effort at addressing the current security challenges bedeviling the country and urged officers and men to remain apolitical and operate within the ambit of the law.
The Governor also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for the collaborative operations in the State and for choosing to host the conference in Akwa Ibom State.
“I make bold to say that the establishment of Headquarters 2 Brigade in the State has contributed in no small measure to the relative peace experienced in the State. It has also contributed to creating a good working and harmonious relationship between you and our administration, alongside other sister security agencies, in maintaining the peace we enjoy.
“This, I believe, informed your decision to choose Akwa Ibom State to host this auspicious event as a further pointer to the good relationship between Akwa Ibom and the Nigerian Army.
“I am, therefore, elated to be with you today to appreciate your continual efforts in addressing the current security challenges bedeviling our dear nation,” he added.
