. . . Yahaya retires

The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Friday assumed command as the 23rd COAS.

In his maiden speech, Lagbaja pledged positive change for the Nigerian Army.

The COAS in the same vein expressed he would make a difference in a shared vision towards the fulfillment of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army.

The new COAS also pledged to serve the country with diligence and uphold the cherished values of the Nigerian Army.

He paid a glowing tribute to the NA under his predecessor, saying the Army witnessed a milestone transformation with unprecedented procurement of equipment and prudent management of human and material resources. The new COAS while pursuing his career, was General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 and 82 Divisions of the Nigerian Army. Until his appointment as the 23rd COAS, he was the Chief of Operations (Army) at the Army Headquarters.

In a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the immediate past COAS Yahaya in his valedictory speech, pointed out that he assumed command of the Army at a period when it was critical to sustain the onslaught against the adversaries in a security environment that was volatile, uncertain and complex. “He further noted that the NA rose to the situation as a team and with the support from the government, remarkable successes were made in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other criminalities in the country.

“He added that today the situation has changed for the better.

“Gen Yahaya commended personnel of the NA for their commitment and dedication to duty, adding, that through commitment, jointness and inter-service collaboration, bridges were built across the services, as well as paramilitary and other security agencies to effectively confront the security challenges.

“Gen Yahaya, however, admitted that the successes recorded did not come cheap but with the supreme price paid by gallant officers and soldiers.

“He expressed satisfaction that he was leaving behind an Army that can confront any adversary. He urged NA personnel to extend same support he enjoyed to his successor.

“General Yahaya revealed that the operational successes of the NA have translated to massive surrender of repentant terrorists in the North East in a manner that beats the expectations of international and local observers.

“Highpoints of the ceremony were the signing of handing and taking over notes, presentation of command flag, decoration of the new Army Chief with Army Headquarters insignia and the symbolic lowering and hoisting of command flag, signifying the beginning of a new command,” the statement said.

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