Laurels for a Foreign Hero, by Ike Willie-Nwobu

To serve is to die, and no one truly serves unless they die many times over in the course of service. Commitment, persistence, and focus in service often draw blood, sweat, and tears. They engender loneliness too, self-doubt as well as doubt from others. The sacrifice that true service entails means death in so many respects even if one’s breath is to cease only once and no more.

Days before the Nigerian Army confirmed the presence of Lukara was, a new terrorist group which has already marked its introduction into the Nigerian terrorism scene with devastating attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto states, Nigeria lost its fearless commander in its multifaceted war against multiple enemies.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja who was sworn in as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff on 19 June 2024 died in Lagos on November 5, 2024, after a brief illness. His death at the age of 56 has thrown the entire country into mourning at a time when the country most needs the presence of a man who was the quintessence of bravery and soldiery.

Before he became Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja had withstood many tests and survived countless dangerous assignments in service of a country he loved with all his heart.

The Nigerian Army has continued to serve as the last line of defense against terrorists who are determined to overrun the country. Without the heroic efforts of Nigerian soldiers who are ever willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country, terrorists would have recorded far more successes than they have especially in those areas where they are far more suited to rugged terrains, which soldiers find treacherous.

Nigeria’s decade-long battle against terrorism have recorded highs and lows with the Nigerian Army always managing to have the upper hand despite extremely difficult conditions.

Terrorists who had established conclaves in many parts of the country, terrorizing locals and defying the country, have been routed again and again as soldiers have largely stuck to their task of securing and defending Nigeria.

There have been many painful losses in the course of war against terrorism. Many gallant soldiers have been forced to pay the ultimate price in defense of the country but the most devastating losses have been reserved for the enemies of the country who have suffered heavy casualties even in their so-called strongholds.

Like every other war, the prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria has not been perfect. There have been murmurs of discontent about diversion of funds meant for weapons, poor welfare of soldiers, and saboteurs among soldiers. But despite the diversionary discourses of detractors, the shortcomings of few persons cannot distract from the excellent job soldiers are doing to keep terrorists on the run. It is reason enough to celebrate them.

It Is enough reason to commiserate with the country and their heartbroken families whenever they lose their lives. Nigeria which has had to contend with many forces since independence owes them an unpayable debt. Remembering them, celebrating them and keeping them in the national consciousness where they deserve to be is the least the country can do.

Comfort to the Nigerian Army and the families of all those who have laid down their lives in the service of this great country.

Ike Willie-Nwobu,
Ikewilly9@gmail.com