The Nigerian Army is preparing to remove unexploded bombs from the Ikeja Cantonment, 21 years after a devastating bomb blast killed many. Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Marina, to inform him about the Army’s activities in Lagos.
Lagbaja announced that the Nigerian Army would conduct a ceremony to remove unexploded ordnance at the site of the 2002 Bomb Explosion in the Ikeja cantonment. The Army’s objective is to make the area safe and remove unexploded ordnances securely to a safe location in the Ajilete area of Ogun State.
Given the upcoming festivities and the large number of people traveling across the country, the Army has organized three security exercises to prevent any form of breaches. These exercises will begin on Tuesday in Lagos.
Lagbaja expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support the Army has received from the people and State Government. He also acknowledged the infrastructure renewal program of the Lagos Government, emphasizing that improved infrastructure would help the military respond quickly to security situations requiring immediate interventions.
The Lagos’ Blue and Red Line rail projects will be beneficial to military personnel, as the trains would aid their commuting.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the Army’s sense of commitment, dedication, and patriotism. He expressed his gratitude for the Army’s efforts to uphold the constitution, maintain high integrity, and stick to the best rules of engagement to protect the sovereignty of the country. Sanwo-Olu also hailed the Nigerian Army for committing to the rules of engagement and professionalism in its peace mission across the country.
The Governor assured the Army boss that the state government would rebuild a military primary school in Orile that was demolished for the construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He also appealed for cooperation among military personnel in the ongoing enforcement across Lagos, including Okada ban enforcement. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the ongoing enforcements were aimed at bringing sanity back to the State and preserving public assets.