By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Nigerias Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has stated that the essence of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects the Nigerian Army is executing across the country is part of the Army’s non-kinetic approaches in combating security challenges facing the country.
Disclosing this in a statement released via its official X account, the Nigerian Army said the COAS made this known while commissioning some projects executed under the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Projects in Sokoto South Local Government Area on Saturday 30th March 2024.
The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen Godwin Michael Mutkut maintained that it is heartwarming to state that Sokoto State has enjoyed relative peace, despite the activities of bandits and other criminal elements in the North West. This he attributed to the cordial relations the Nigerian Army has enjoyed over the years with the good people of the State.
COAS further stated that the people’s support to the Nigerian Army has contributed immensely to the successes of operations within Sokoto State. He therefore, implore the general public to keep faith with the Nigerian Army, while re-afirming the Army’s commitment to discharging its constitutional responsibilities of ensuring peace and security through kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
Speaking earlier in his address of welcome, the project executor Maj Gen Maikano Abdullahi thanked the Chief of Army Staff for approving and funding the intervention projects which he said will go a long way in mitigating the welfare challenges faced by his people.
Similarly, in his remarks the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs Maj Gen Nosakhare Ugbo affirmed that the Nigerian Army executes projects that enhance the overall welfare of the people. He said the projects are also meant to appreciate the support and cooperation the Nigerian Army has continued to enjoy from citizens across the country. He further stated that the projects executed so far by the Nigerian Army across the country include: construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, provision of ICT facilities, sinking of boreholes and road construction among others.
The projects that were commissioned include; motorised borehole, rehabilitated basketball court and health centre and solar powered street lights. Palliatives, drugs and cash gifts were also distributed to some members of the communities.