By Sam Kaye
The Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their steadfastness in managing the myriads of crisis in the nation since he took charge.
Lt General Lagbaja was speaking during this year’s Easter celebration with troops in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, noted that he was aware of the tremendous sacrifices being made by each of them in all the theatres of war within the country.
Represented by Theatre Commander Operations Hadin Kai fighting insurgency in the North East, Major General Shaibu Waidi, he said: “Let me use this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you, my officers and soldiers, for your doggedness in tackling the numerous security challenges bedeviling us as a Nation. You have displaying much commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism.
“I say well done and charge you not to rest on your oars until we have eliminated all forms of threats to our country.”
The Army Chief remarked that this year’s Easter Celebration is unique in that it coincided with the Ramadan fast.
“Hence, it allows Christians and Muslims alike to reflect on God’s abundant grace on our nation, Nigeria and reminds us of the duties and sacrifices we must make towards God, humanity, and our beloved country…
It also provides an opportunity to appreciate the love of God displayed through the sacrifices of our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind. The Lenten period characterized by self-denial, abstinence, prayers, and almsgiving, which heralded the Easter Celebration, also reminds us of the sacrifices, sometimes supreme, that officers and men of the Nigerian Army make to ensure that our territorial integrity is preserved at all times…
“I, therefore, congratulate officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for witnessing the Year 2024 Easter Celebration and urge you all to continue to espouse the values and virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities.”
The Army Chief maintained that in line with his Command Philosophy, ‘To transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities’, he ensured of the implementation of quality training and equipping towards combating the myriads of security threats confronting the nation.
” Accordingly, under my leadership, the Nigerian Army has continued to record tremendous successes in various operations at home and abroad. You all can attest to our achievements so far, especially in the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI in the North East and other internal security operations nationwide.
“As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation, I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment, will always be prioritized to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively.” said Lagbaja.
Reflecting further on the recent mishap in which troops lost their lives in Delta, Chief Lagbaja went on: ” While still grieving the recent unwarranted and gruesome murder of our colleagues in Okuama Community of Delta State, which occurred on 14 March 2024, I urge you all to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities. I encourage you to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our departed colleagues who paid the supreme price for the noble cause of keeping our beloved country safe.
“I will continue to prioritize the welfare of our officers, soldiers, and families, including those of our departed colleagues. I, therefore, charge you all to use this Easter Celebration to offer prayers against all forms of negative forces militating against the peace and progress of our dear country. It is also my sincere hope that the spiritual exercise of the Lenten Season and the lessons learnt will imbue us with greater zeal and dedication to our constitutional duties.
” The Nigerian Army remains committed, determined, and focused on ensuring the total defeat of insurgents, marauding bandits, and all other forms of external and internal aggressions disturbing the peace of the country.” said General Lagbaja.
In his remark, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna said: ” This wonderful event not only espouses the ideals of the season of Easter, it also fosters the esprit de corp amongst our troops which in no small measure boosts the fighting spirit on the battlefield.
” The current security threats across the length and breadth of our dear nation has necessitated the need for cooperation with other services and security agencies. During the conduct of its operations, JTF Operation HADIN KAI has received immense support and resources from sister security agencies to further enhance our operations.
“We wish to express our gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for their valiant contributions in the Lake Chad region and the Nigerian Air Force in providing Close Air Support, conducting Air Interdictions and Air lift capabilities in the theatre.
” We are equally appreciative of the professional contributions of other security agencies the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, Nigerian custom services, Nigerian Civil Defence,
Correction services and other forces which are all tailored towards the attainment of the end state of Operation HADIN KAI.