Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has extended an olive branch to armed groups across the country. In a speech on Wednesday at the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps base in Bauchi, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja offered dialogue as an alternative to violence.
Lagbaja emphasized the importance of peace for national progress. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace that people can experience progress,” he declared.
“I appeal to them that they should drop their arms, seek dialogue and other means through which grievances can be addressed,” he said
Lagbaja’s address comes as Nigeria grapples with insurgencies, separatist movements, and widespread violence. The military has been at the forefront of these conflicts, but the Army Chief seems to acknowledge the limitations of a purely military approach.
He also acknowledged the concerns of his own troops, specifically addressing issues related to pay and allowances. He assured soldiers that their well-being was a priority and encouraged them to voice any problems through established channels.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
