Palpable fear has gripped residents of Lagos State as the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major-Gen. Tanmi Dibi, said that many members of the dreaded insurgents loyal to Boko Haram had been arrested in the state in the last 18 months.
Dibi made the shocking revelation on Monday, August 10, 2015 while addressing journalists shortly after he officially handed over the reins of power to the incumbent GOC, Major-Gen. Isibor Edet, following his retirement.
Although he didn’t give details of their arrest for security reasons, he urged the military serving in the state to be extremely vigilant to prevent the permeation of the insurgents into the state.
He said, “Military job is a challenging task and Lagos State itself is a peculiar state. We have had our challenging times but we were able to overcome them.
“Under my watch, we were able to prevent the incursion of Boko Haram insurgents into Lagos. A good number of them were arrested here in Lagos. Having served for 35 years and retiring now, I expect to see a more disciplined and committed army.”
He further urged the personnel of the division both at the headquarters and the 65 Battalion parade ground to be committed to their duties, despite that the division has been able to contain the excesses of the insurgents in its area of responsibility.
Dibi said, “You are all aware of the challenges we are going through- the problem of Boko Haram. The fact that you are not in the northeast does not mean you are not fighting the war.
“We are all involved in the war because wars of this nature do not have a front or a rear. So far, we are winning the war and I want you to do more.
“And so far so good, we have been able to contain their excesses and I want you to do more. We have talked enough about security measures put in place, about your own personal security and that of your families and that of the barracks and how you relate with your friends but I urge you to do more.
“Be more vigilant and ensure security of your environment, your Barracks. I do not want to be in my village to hear about any careless death. I do not want to read about an attack in Lagos.
“I want to hear that this division I am leaving is the most efficient division in the Nigeria army. I give God the glory for making it possible to serve Nigeria for 35 years and retiring today. I also thank all of you for supporting me. Some of you have done so well by co-operating, some of you lagged behind.
“For those lagging behind, please change your attitude towards work, be more dedicated because you do not have any other job than this job, neither do you have any other army.
“The army is a voluntary organization which you decided to join, nobody forced you to join, therefore, do not allow any to force you do your job.
“If you do your job, you are not doing anyone any favour. It is your job and you should do it well,” he said.
The new GOC who prayed for the support of the personnel, commended his predecessor, describing him as an embodiment of knowledge, intelligence and discipline.
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