We Will Not Be Used to Overthrow Tinubu’s Government, Says Army Chief Lagbaja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has firmly dismissed any possibility of the military intervening to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lagbaja emphasized that the military would not succumb to pressures to disrupt the nation’s democracy.

Lagbaja highlighted that the calls for a military takeover were primarily coming from younger Nigerians who had not experienced Nigeria’s prolonged periods of military rule. He underscored the fact that the Nigerian Army had worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to rebuild its reputation and was not willing to jeopardize this “new prestige” by engaging in undemocratic actions.

“The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power. As the service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is not poised to lose the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years,” he asserted.

Lagbaja also noted that the Nigerian Army, alongside other military services, has continued to receive substantial support from both national and sub-national governments. He cited the recent acquisition of two BELL UH-1 Huey Helicopters, which are equipped with advanced technology for missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation.

Addressing the recent nationwide hunger protests, Lagbaja acknowledged the incident as a significant lesson for the Armed Forces. He stressed that while their primary focus is on physical security and defense, issues like food and social security could escalate into broader security challenges if not addressed.

Though the immediate crisis has subsided, the Army Chief recognized that food security was a major factor behind the unrest. In response, he pledged that the Nigerian Army would review its agricultural policies to better support national food security. He revealed that the Army is already providing security cover for farmers in critical regions across the North East, North West, and North Central zones to safeguard food production.

“The Nigerian Army will, in the coming days, review its agricultural policy to better position the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to significantly boost crop production so that the Army can release grains into the market at highly subsidized rates in support of government efforts,” Lagbaja announced.

He further mentioned ongoing discussions with various government agencies and private organizations on potential partnerships aimed at addressing the nation’s food crisis. Additionally, the Army has bolstered its capabilities by acquiring Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, rifles, and ammunition to enhance operations and security across the country.

The conference was officially opened by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who expressed his delight that the event was being held in the state. He praised the Army Chief for his strategic leadership and assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s full support, including the establishment of a proposed Army base in Akwa Ibom and other logistical needs.