The South East Development Peace Initiative, SDPI, has expressed optimism that the Nigerian Army’s delivery of two new aircraft will further boost the gains in the war against insecurity in the country.

The group made the commendation through a statement made available to DAILY POST in Enugu on Sunday, signed by its President, Hon Vitus Okechi.

He said the ongoing repositioning of the Nigerian Army by the Chief Of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, had brought hope to communities hitherto threatened by insecurity.

Okechi said the Chief of Army Staff had shown commitment towards transforming the Nigerian army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Lagbaja, and expressed hope that the insecurity in the country which had brought Nigeria to her knees would soon be history.

Okechi, a former commissioner and local government chairman in Enugu State, noted that the pervasive nature of insecurity had cast a shadow over the country’s prospects for peace, prosperity, and social cohesion.

“However, the appointment of General Taoreed Lagbaja, as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has given a new shot in the arm to the war against insecurity in the country.

“The role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, has never been more crucial than now. Amidst these challenges, the leadership of the Nigerian Army under Lt.General Lagbaja has been pivotal in formulating and executing strategies aimed at decimating insurgency and restoring hope to all.

“Lt. General Lagbaja the Chief of Army Staff, assumed office at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history.

“Tasked with the herculean responsibility of leading the Nigerian Army in its fight against insurgency, his tenure has been marked by a series of proactive strategies and operational engagements aimed at confronting the myriad security threats facing the nation.

“Central to the Chief of Army Staff’s vision is a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity while simultaneously bolstering the capacity of the Nigerian Army to respond effectively to emerging threats,” he observed.

Okechi described the recent delivery of the first batch of new aircraft by the army as a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities, especially in the fight against insurgency.

DAILY POST recalls that the aircraft, BELL UH-1H (HUEY) helicopters, were formally received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in a brief ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 20 June, 2024.

Receiving the aircrafts, General Lagbaja noted that the renewed drive to establish an NA Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan.

The COAS extolled former Chiefs of Army Staff, maintaining that their tenacity and drive, along with the collective efforts of personnel and Nigerian Government’s political will, have been instrumental in realizing the fruition of NA Aviation.