Nigerian Army commissions Water Project in Bokkos – Plateau State while pledging to sustain efforts to end insecurity

The Nigerian Army has pledged to sustain her kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in consolidating the gains against insecurity and guarantee sustainable peace across the country. This was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja while commissioning a solar powered borehole in Kop Mandarken Community in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Represented by the Director Genenral, Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Center, Major General Obinna C. Ajunwa, the Chief of Army Staff promised to sustain such interventions in communities across the country. “I am delighted to be here in Madaken to commission this water facility. The facility includes a borehole powered by solar energy, a 40,000-liter water storage tank, and reticulation to the community. This commissioning ceremony is part of the scheduled events for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, held here in Plateau State, marking the Nigerian Army’s 162 years of existence.”

The Army Chief emphasized that the project complements government and non-governmental efforts in providing clean drinking water, while stressing the importance of the project to the community, considering that the community is recovering from crisis and is gradually returning to normalcy. “The choice of Madaken for this project was informed by the fact that it is one of the areas impacted by the crisis in Plateau. This project is a modest effort to help the community return to normalcy, knowing that this is a farming community and water is essential. Water is life. This project complements the efforts of the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, Local Government, and other well-meaning governmental and non-governmental organizations in rebuilding the North Central region and providing potable water to communities. This water facility will provide clean water to this community and ensure a healthy community.”

He pledged that the Army will continue to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to end insecurity and guarantee sustainable peace. “The Nigerian Army, as the people’s army, will sustain its kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in addressing the security challenges facing Plateau State and other parts of the country. This means we are not only interested in combat operations but also in providing social amenities so that the peace we seek can settle in properly.”

“Specifically, the execution of different quick-impact projects and other non-kinetic efforts are aimed at alleviating the challenges of communities in areas where military operations are ongoing. This project is executed to a very high quality, consistent with Nigerian Army standards. I urge community leaders to take ownership of this project and put measures in place to maintain it for the benefit of this generation and future generations.” he maintained.

The Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja acknowledged the support of commnities in facilitating the success recorded in ongoing military operations, particularly in Plateau State and promised to reciprocate by doing his best to guarantee the safety of lives and property. “It is essential to state that your support for the Nigerian Army has contributed tremendously to the success of Operation Safe Haven. We acknowledge your cooperation in bringing peace to this land. The Nigerian Army, under my leadership, is ready to reciprocate this gesture of cooperation within the ambit of our constitutional mandate.”

“I further urge you to continue supporting our troops for more successful operations on the Plateau. Consider the troops here as your sons, daughters, and relatives to achieve a synergy that will engender enduring peace. This will fast-track the achievement of our desired end-state, which is to restore peace and security to the whole country. When one part of Nigeria bleeds, the whole country bleeds.” He added.

Lt. General Lagbaja in his closing remarks appreciated President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the Nigerian Army got all that they required to execute their mandate. “Finally, I wish to appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing us with the necessary resources and strategic guidance to remain operationally viable in discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”

High points of the event was the commissioning of the water project by the Chief of Army Staff, the presentation of the Nigerian Army Plac of Honour to the Transition Implementation Chairman of Bokkos LGA Hon Monday Kassa by Chief of Army Staff, and the presentation gifts to the Chief of Army Staff by the host community in appreciation of the water project. There was a novelty football match in honour of the Chief of Army Staff between Madaken FC and Bokkos FC which ended 3-1 after penalty shootouts in favour of Bokkos FC.