‘Deploying soldiers on deadly missions, my toughest job’ – Chief of Army Staff

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday disclosed that deploying soldiers on missions which may claim their lives is his toughest job.

 

The Army chief spoke during the burial of 17 soldiers killed in Okuama community of Delta State.

 

Lagbaja said: “As the chief of Army Staff, I consider putting fine men and women in harm’s way sometimes, knowing that they will not return to their families and loved ones, my toughest job.

 

“My men know that when I send them out, despite the equipment, training, and other forms of preparation, some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped and invalid.”

 

Recall that the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma Community were ambushed and killed by some irate youths.

 

The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call following a communal crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities in Delta State.

 

The personnel comprised one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers.