He added that the Nigerian Army would stop at nothing to ensure they are eliminated.
Lagbaja spoke at the closing of the 2024 Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja on Thursday.
He said, “I wish to warn criminal elements in our society that the Nigerian Army will stop at nothing to neutralise them.
“I enjoin law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian Army in our efforts to make our territory inviolable, safeguard the lives and properties of loyal citizens, and create the enabling atmosphere for good governance and economic prosperity.”
Lagbaja warned troops against being carried away with the successes recorded so far against criminals in the country.
He noted that since total victory has not been achieved, it was not yet time to celebrate.
Lagbaja said, “I suppose this gathering has again awakened us to the reality that it is not yet time to celebrate total victory. I am not in doubt that the Nigerian Army is blessed with competent and committed personnel at all levels to ensure a substantial level of success that can help create the enabling environment necessary for good governance and economic prosperity.”
The Army Chief also urged his men to be courageous in the fight against insecurity, adding that a little fear on their part would embolden the criminals.
Lagbaja said, “I must, however, remind you all of the need to always be ingenious and courageous because the adversaries we fight are emboldened by weakness; thus, we cannot afford to show a jot of it. As reminded by the CMI(A) in his brief, fear is a major currency with which our adversaries trade, and we must turn the tide against them and out-trade them in their currency.”
PUNCH Online that troops have in recent times stepped up their operations, which has led to the death of several criminals, especially terrorists.
For instance, between January and March 2024, over 2,351 terrorists were killed.
Out of this figure, 11 are terrorist commanders.
