By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged complaints of poor feeding by frontline troops to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claim and unravel the circumstances.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement said, the NA takes the allegations very seriously.
General Nwachukwu said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA), has been drawn to a recent claim of poor feeding of troops at the frontline in the North East Theatre of operations.
It is crucial to point out to the general public that the welfare of troops under the present leadership of the NA takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations as it is one of the vital pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy which is to provide “Sound Administration” to ensure a highly motivated force.
The NA therefore takes these allegations very seriously and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has directed immediate investigation into the complaints to ascertain their veracity and unravel the circumstances”.
The NA, the spokesperson said, assured the public and all NA personnel that a thorough investigation will be conducted to get to the bottom of these claims.
He noted that the NA has always prioritized the welfare of troops, including their nutrition.
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“There is a comprehensive system in place to ensure that troops receive adequate and balanced meals, especially those serving at the frontline and the meals are prepared under strict quality control measures. We however acknowledge that there may be isolated incidents where lapses occur, and we are determined to squarely address them.
An internal investigation has already been initiated to ascertain the truth behind these allegations. We will thoroughly examine the supply chain, the quality of food provided, and any other factors that may have contributed to this situation,” the statement further said.
The NA, the director said, is committed to transparency and accountability, and will not condone any form of negligence or misconduct.
According to him, “If any culpability is detected, it will attract appropriate disciplinary action. Immediate corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future will be taken. We also encourage NA personnel to report any grievances or concerns they may have regarding their feeding arrangements.
We have established channels for feedback and will take prompt action to address any legitimate complaints. The NA remains resolute in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges”.
Noting that the Service will ensure that its gallant soldiers are provided with the necessary support and care they require to carry out their duties effectively, the spokesperson concluded that the Nigerian Army is committed to ensuring that its troops are well-fed, motivated, and equipped to defend the nation.
