Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved the construction of additional accommodation and the renovation of administrative buildings at the Headquarters of 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Niger State, as part of measures to improve troop welfare and operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing officers and soldiers of the brigade during an operational visit to the formation.

The Army Chief said the decision followed a detailed briefing by the brigade and divisional commanders, who highlighted accommodation and infrastructure challenges affecting personnel at the headquarters.

“I have listened to the briefing from your commanders, particularly on the challenges you are facing in terms of accommodation.

“We have approved the construction of additional accommodation, as well as the renovation and remodification of some of your administrative blocks, to ameliorate these challenges,” he said.

Shaibu stressed that troop welfare and improved working conditions were critical to morale, discipline and operational effectiveness, adding that the army leadership remained committed to providing a conducive environment for soldiers and their families.

He said the welfare interventions would also serve as a force multiplier as the Nigerian Army intensified offensive operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

“Most importantly, the conduct of operations to rid this area of marauding bandits and miscreants will be strengthened.

“We are going to enhance the capabilities of this brigade to conduct more offensive operations, which you will be participating in,” the COAS said.

Shaibu charged the troops to remain combat-ready and mentally prepared for sustained operations, reminding them that offensive action remained the core duty of soldiering.

“As soldiers, once the enabling environment and combat enablers are provided, you must go out and do what soldiers are trained to do.

“You have the training, you have the experience, and you have the commanders who will lead you to carry out the operations you are supposed to do,” he said.

The army chief urged the soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism, advising them to listen to their officers and commanders in the conduct of operations.

“Listen to your officers. They will lead you well to do the operations you are supposed to do,” he added.

Shaibu expressed appreciation to the troops for their sacrifices and commitment in safeguarding lives and property, acknowledging the support and resilience of their families.

“I appreciate all of you, and I appreciate your families. We are committed to ensuring that your barracks environment is more comfortable for you,” he said.

The COAS expressed confidence in the ability of 18 Brigade to deliver on its mandate, assuring the personnel of continuous support from the army leadership as operations are intensified to restore lasting peace and security in Niger State and adjoining areas.

He later invited questions from the troops, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation

Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army on Monday paid tribute to the life, service, and enduring legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Abdul Abiodun Lagbaja, describing him as a soldier whose courage, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation. The homage coincided with the unveiling of his biography, A Life of Service, at the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Lagos.

The biography, meticulously compiled by Major General H.G. Wesley (retd.), former Chief of Special Services and Programs, Army, chronicles the extraordinary life of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, capturing not just his professional achievements, but also the personal values that guided his service.

The project was championed by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Delta State, alongside 21 other historians and elder scholars from the Nigerian Army.

The publication was complemented by a documentary produced by the Nigerian Television Authority, providing a visual narration of the former Army Chief’s life.

President Bola Ahmed-Tinubu, described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “one of my best appointments.” The President recalled the impact of Lagbaja’s leadership on the Army and the nation, stating, “This nation, our armed forces, the army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice. He embodied courage, dedication, and unyielding loyalty to the nation.”

Born in 1968 in Ilobu, Oshun State, and raised in nearby Oshobo, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s discipline and commitment were evident from an early age. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as part of the 39th Regular Course, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography before commissioning into the Infantry Corps. His first posting as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion, Borno State, revealed a leader who was never behind the lines but always at the front, sharing in the hardships and risks faced by his soldiers.

Rising through the ranks, Lagbaja commanded brigades in Lagos and Oyo States, where he tackled urban insecurity and oil bunkering. He later led as General Officer Commanding 82 Division in the South East and 1 Division in the North West, earning the respect and loyalty of his troops for leading by example and demonstrating unwavering commitment to operational success.

In 2022, as Chief of Operations, he consolidated decades of battlefield experience to guide strategy across multiple theatres of operation. His appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 marked the pinnacle of a career defined by integrity, vision, and a leadership philosophy he called the “Six Cs,” emphasizing training, innovation, civil-military engagement, and strategic foresight. Under his guidance, the Nigerian Army strengthened its operational readiness, improved civil-military relations, and projected Nigeria’s stature internationally.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja received numerous national and international honors, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Field Command Star, and Grand Service Star. Internationally, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame in 2025.

General Christopher Musa, who paid tribute to the late Chief, described him as a courageous, exemplary leader whose significant contributions against terrorism and banditry left a lasting void in the military and nation, urging troops to honor Lagbaja’s sacrifice by defeating state enemies.

Muhammed Badaru, described Lagbaja as a “gallant hardworking officer” and a “warrior” who had served commendably in all theaters of war. He hailed the late general’s courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.

The COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, described the late Army Chief as “a soldier who never asked his men to face danger he would not face himself. He was a commander in the truest sense, walking alongside his soldiers in the theatre of operations, sharing their risks and their burdens.” Shuaibu further praised Lagbaja’s dedication to the welfare of personnel and the strengthening of institutional frameworks, noting that his leadership style blended courage with compassion.

“His legacy is firmly rooted in selfless service and exemplary leadership,”he said.

The biography, A Life of Service, captures the personal values that defined Lt. Gen. Lagbaja unpretentious simplicity, moral courage, empathy for soldiers and their families, loyalty, and patriotism.

The project, General Wesley noted, aimed to ensure that the lessons of his life and leadership could inspire both serving and retired military officers, as well as inform future policy and operational strategies.

Professor Christopher Ogbobo, one of the historians involved, stressed the importance of documenting military experiences for posterity. “Given the quality of training and the diverse experiences of our warriors, it has become imperative to document their lives,” he said. “Those who can, both retired and serving, owe Nigeria that duty. Their experiences are rich and instructive for future generations and policymakers alike.”

The ceremony also highlighted the human dimension of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s life. Beyond the battlefield, he was a devoted husband and father, often playing with his children at dawn and supporting his family after long hours in uniform.

His favorite Christian hymn, Only Remembered by What We Have Done, encapsulated the guiding philosophy of his life, emphasizing legacy, service, and tangible contributions.

His story, from the streets of Ilobu to the highest ranks of the Nigerian Army, exemplifies courage, discipline, and visionary leadership, ensuring that his memory will inspire generations to come.

“Before the medals, before the rank, before the history books, there was this man, Lieutenant General Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja. A leader forged in the dust and fire of service,” a speaker remarked. “Nigeria will remember his heart; history will remember his duty.”said the speaker.

The speech ended with an unveiling of a Book on the life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja

Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

Troops dislodged bandits camp as security forces rescue hostages in coordinated FCT operations

By: Zagazola Makama

A coordinated joint operation by the Nigerian Army, police and the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dislodgement of kidnappers’ camps and the rescue of multiple abducted victims across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following a series of overnight attacks by armed criminals.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which unfolded between Dec. 5 and 6, was initiated after gunmen invaded Zone D community behind LEA Primary School, Ushafa, at about 11:30 p.m., abducting Mrs Patience Uzor, 49, and her 27-year-old son, Mr. Friend Obinna John.

In a swift response, a combined troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, rescuing Mrs Uzor as the kidnappers fled into the bush with Obinna.

But the gang continued its onslaught, storming a Fulani settlement owned by Mallam Jibrin Usman at the outskirts of Zuma I and Zuma II villages around 1:30 a.m., where they abducted four other residents identified as Abubakar Ibro Jibrin, Lukman Ali Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin Sale and Abdussalam Idris.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, directed the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to lead a joint operation comprising the Police and DSS to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked the kidnappers to the Mpape Daji Forest via Kagarko LGA, bordering Bwari, where the criminals opened fire on the security team upon sighting them behind the Mpape hills.

During the gun duel, operatives successfully rescued Abubakar Jibrin.

The team immediately reinforced and sustained the pursuit, following the kidnappers’ trail through difficult terrain. Hours of coordinated pursuits led the operatives to Kweri Forest, where another fierce engagement ensued.

The encounter resulted in the rescue of the remaining three victims Lukman Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdussalam Idris while the kidnappers reportedly fled with suspected bullet wounds.

Security forces thereafter dislodged the criminals’ camp, recovering the area and preventing further regrouping of the bandits. No casualties were recorded among the security team throughout the engagements.
All rescued victims were evacuated to Bwari General Hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.

Sources said that police authorities have urged community members and other security stakeholders to report any person seen with suspected gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation, stressing the need for timely intelligence to aid the arrest of fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the FCT Command has deployed strategic personnel along identified routes and vulnerable corridors to prevent further incursions by criminal elements into the territory.

The authorities assured residents of continued efforts to rescue the remaining abducted victim and to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks within the FCT and neighbouring states.
End