The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will resist any calls for undemocratic intervention in governance, stating that it is determined to preserve the new prestige it has painstakingly built over the past 25 years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff’s combined second and third quarters conference 2024, held at the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs Hall, Uyo, on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja addressed concerns raised by some young Nigerians who, having never experienced the extensive military rule in Nigeria’s past, have called for the military to intervene during the recent End Bad Governance Protest held from 1st to 10th August.

“As Chief of Army Staff, my simple response to such calls is, ‘Thanks, but no thanks!’ The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically propel certain interests to power,” the COAS stated.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Army, which bore the brunt of image damage due to previous military interventions, remains secure, united, and resolute in sustaining ongoing efforts to ensure that maximum revenue accrues to the Federal Government for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Reflecting on the period since the Army’s senior leadership last convened in April for the First Quarter Conference, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja noted that the country has faced a new set of security challenges. He highlighted that, in addition to the known threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, and farmer-herder conflicts, recent protests driven by discontent over economic issues and government policies have resulted in significant unrest and, in some cases, violence.

“This situation has reminded us that, as an Armed Force, we must not only focus on physical security and the defence of the nation, but also be mindful that food and social security issues can escalate into physical security challenges,” he remarked.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja noted that the recent protest was largely fuelled by provocative and inciting social media activity, but commended the professional manner in which the Nigeria Police Force, supported by the military and other security agencies, managed the situation.

“While it is evident that some protest organisers held differing views from the government regarding how the security forces handled the situation, I believe it was managed with care, and I commend our commanders and troops for their professionalism in working with the police and civil authorities to effectively control the situation,” he added.

The COAS expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities, as well as the looting witnessed in some states. He confirmed that investigations have been initiated into the actions of both the protesters and security forces, and he offered his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives during the protests.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stressed that the Nigerian Army, as an institution established by the Nigerian Constitution, recognises citizens’ right to express their grievances, but insists that such actions must occur within the confines of the law.

“While the situation that led to the protest appears to have been resolved, the Nigerian Army understands that the issue of food security will remain a key topic in national security discussions for some time,” he noted.

In response to this, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja announced that the Nigerian Army would soon review its agricultural policy to better position the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to significantly boost crop production. This would enable the Army to release grains into the market at highly subsidised rates, in support of government efforts to address food security challenges.

Furthermore, he revealed that the Army Headquarters is currently reviewing proposals for partnerships with government ministries, departments, agencies, and reputable private organisations on how best to collaborate in resolving the country’s food crisis.

He also mentioned that Nigerian Army troops are currently providing security cover for farmers in critical farming communities across the North East, North West, and North Central zones, in an effort to prevent the potentially devastating consequences of any pause or halt in food production in those regions.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja expressed appreciation for the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State, which he said influenced the decision to host the conference there. He noted that the conference is usually held in Abuja, but when hosted outside the capital, it is typically in troubled areas as a show of force.