The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said that the achievements of the Nigerian Army would be consolidated towards overcoming the complex security challenges confronting the nation.
According to him, the remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, bandits and kidnappers would be decimated to restore peace in the six geo-political zones of the country and protect lives and property.
Lagbaja made the pledge at the weekend in Damaturu, Yobe State, while felicitating with troops in the frontlines at Sambisa Forest during an Eid-el-Kabir Sallah luncheon.
Represented by Maj. Gen. Mayerenso Saraso, Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Damaturu, the COAS disclosed that the event was organised “to felicitate with officers, soldiers, civilian staff of the Nigerian Army” and their families.
He, therefore, enjoined troops to redouble their efforts and give their very best in making the Army’s goal to secure people’s lives and property a reality.His words: “I congratulate officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for witnessing Year 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.
“I urge you all to continue to exhibit these values that are of central importance to achieving our constitutional mandate.
“Having been recently appointed as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, I believe that my appointment is a calling to engender change and make a difference in our shared vision towards the fulfillment of our constitutional responsibilities.
“I express my sincere gratitude to God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us in the discharge of our duties to our dear nation.”
According to him, Sallah represents the virtues of sacrifice and submission to the will of God as exhibited by Prophet Abraham and emulated by Prophet Muhammad.
He added that the celebration reminds Muslim faithful of the sacrifices, sometimes supreme, that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army make daily to ensure that the country’s territorial integrity is preserved at all times.
He reminded troops that, “loyalty and professionalism are the core values of the Nigerian Army.” Lagbaja added: “My Command Philosophy is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
“I recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of our gallant troops deployed in operations within and outside the shores of this country.
“In the course of my career, I have witnessed in different capacities, your efforts and sacrifices.
“Therefore, I have no doubt about the zeal and commitment of our troops towards ensuring the success of the Nigerian Army along with sister Services and other security agencies in combating the complex, multifaceted and unpredictable security threats bedeviling our country.
“The ability to envision, anticipate and maintain flexibility in the face of diverse, contemporary and undefined threats must be sustained by you all to achieve our goals and missions as an Army.”
He, therefore, resolved to provide the needed leadership and drive to achieve more successes to restore peace across the country. On troops’ welfare, he declared: “I pledge to make your welfare my utmost priority. I will ensure all avenues of improving the capabilities of troops in discharging their responsibilities are harnessed.”
