The military said it had received calls to overthrow President Bola Tinubu government.
The Nigerian military has responded to such calls to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Chief of Army Staff Taoride Lagbaha, speaking on behalf of the military on Tuesday, said the military would not heed such calls.
Speaking at the opening of the COAS Second and Third Quarter Joint Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lagbaha said the calls for military takeover were mainly coming from young Nigerians who have never experienced an all-encompassing era of military rule in Nigeria.
He stressed that the Nigerian military is not ready to lose the “new prestige” it has hard-earned over the past 25 years by allowing safe democratic governance. “The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be abused to bring undemocratic interests to power.
As the force that has suffered the most damage to its image as a result of past military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is not going to lose the new reputation it has painstakingly built over the past 25 years. Secure and united,” he said.
Lagbaha noted that the Nigerian Army and its sister forces continue to receive support from the government at the national and sub-national levels. This is evidenced by the recent purchase of two Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters equipped with advanced sensors and tools that enable a wide range of actions. These include missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics and medical evacuation, to name a few.
He added that the welfare of widows and families of fallen heroes continues to be well-adjusted.
Commenting on the aftermath of the recent nationwide hunger protests, the Army Commander said the situation has opened his eyes to the fact that as an army, we should focus not only on the physical security and defense of the nation, but also on issues of food and social security.
Physical security issues may arise. He said that although the situation that gave rise to the protests appeared to have subsided, the Nigerian Army understands that food security issues were one of the factors that triggered the protests.
The COAS reiterated the Army’s determination to review the agricultural policy and intervene.
He further said that the Nigerian Army is currently providing security protection to farmers in key agricultural communities in the North-East, North-West and North-Central Zones to prevent the devastating impact of the halt in food production in these regions on the entire food supply chain of the country.
“The Nigerian Army will be reviewing its agricultural policy in the coming days to better position Nigerian Army farms and ranches to significantly increase crop production and enable the Army to bring grains to market at heavily subsidized prices, thus supporting government efforts.”
“Furthermore, the Army Command is considering several proposals for partnerships with government ministries, departments and reputed private entities to explore how we can best work together to resolve the food crisis in the country,” he added.
Lagbaha disclosed that the Nigerian Army has acquired additional combat assets such as anti-mine and ambush vehicles, rifles and ammunition to enhance operations and security across the country.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Umo Eno, declared the event open, expressing delight that the conference was held in Akwa Ibom and commended the COAS for the “resolute leadership he has given to the Nigerian Army to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”
Eno also assured that the state government is ready to provide all necessary support to enable the establishment of the proposed Army Base in the state and other logistical works.