The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has urged the people of Plateau State to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their bid to rid the state of criminal elements.

He also said the Nigerian Army’s aim is to win the hearts and minds of the people, whom they are constitutionally obligated to secure and serve.

Lagbaja stated this while commissioning some projects undertaken by the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Mangu LGA of Plateau State on Wednesday.

In an address at the event, he said, “The project we have come to commission in Mangun Central Primary School is at the instance of an illustrious son of this community, Major General GM Mutkut, who currently serves as GOC 8 Division.

“The project comprises 3 blocks of classrooms (renovated and furnished), a computer room, a block of ablution units to enhance the sanitation and environmental health of the students, and a borehole with a 10,000-litre storage tank capacity to provide clean drinking water for students and the surrounding community.

“The Army Headquarters funds these kinds of projects as a way of giving back to the communities of our senior officers of the rank of major general who have served meritoriously and distinguished themselves.

“Undoubtedly, Major General Mutkut falls into this category of gallant senior Nigerian Army officers who, by virtue of their contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country, are suitably qualified to be honoured in this manner.

“Let me state that the NA carefully selected these projects in consultation with the people of this community.

“The primary objective of community involvement in our projects from start to end is to give a sense of ownership that ensures security and maintenance. I urge the benefiting people of Mangu to take full ownership of these facilities and derive maximum benefits from them.

“Let me assure you that Army Headquarter’s funding of these and similar projects is not to give political leverage to any of our senior officers in benefiting communities. Our intention is to foster CIMIC to enhance cordial relationships and build trust in a manner that enhances our operations and training activities.

“I urge the people of Mangu and Plateau State, in general, to support the Nigerian Army and other government security agencies in their bid to rid Plateau of criminal elements bent on destroying the State’s good fortune.

“Plateau is the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, and we must work together to restore the glory days of this State for the good of all its inhabitants”, he maintained.

“The Nigerian Army, as part of its comprehensive approach to crisis management, will sustain the non-kinetic lines of operations through impactful quick impact projects and other CIMIC activities to complement its kinetic efforts across the country.

“Our aim is to win the hearts and minds of the people we are constitutionally obligated to secure and serve.

“I urge Nigerians to trust and support their Army so that together we can create the desired atmosphere required for national security and economic prosperity.”

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his immeasurable support to the Nigerian Army.