As the conflict in Nigeria’s North East region nosedive, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has made it a priority to ensure the wellbeing of the brave soldiers on the frontlines.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria have observed that for close to two years now, the COAS has implemented a remarkable welfare initiative tagged ‘the COAS Welfare Flight’. This program allows troops engaged in the fight against insurgency to periodically visit their families back home.
The Coalition in a Press Statement by the Coalition’s Convener and Secretary, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Barrister John Atani stated that by facilitating these short leave periods and welfare flight, the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the men and women defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Coalition affirmed the the latest of the COAS Welfare Flight which took place on August 1 2024, with a Value Jet aircraft arriving in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, from Lagos. 87 soldiers boarded the flight to return to their loved ones in Abuja, while another 87 troops were ferried back to the frontlines.
This carefully orchestrated rotation ensures that the troops battling Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the North East maintain a strong connection with their families.
The morale-boosting effect of these reunions cannot be overstated, as the soldiers draw strength and renewed determination from the embrace of their loved ones.
The COAS Welfare Flight is just one of the many initiatives implemented by the Nigerian Army By prioritizing the needs of his troops, the COAS has demonstrated a deep understanding of the human element in warfare. Empowered and motivated soldiers are more likely to succeed in their mission, and the COAS Welfare Flight is a testament to this principle.
The Coalition while commending General Lagbaja, said the COAS Welfare Flight stands as a shining example of how a compassionate and forward-thinking leadership can uplift the morale of our brave men and women in uniform, ultimately strengthening the nation’s security and resilience.
