COAS in Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. T.A Lagbaja on Monday celebrated the Eid-el-kabir Sallah Luncheon with troops of North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Maiduguri where he praised their performance and tasked them on renewed commitment to clear the remnants of terrorists in the zone.
The Army Chief observed that this years celebration which came just six days to his one year in office calls for introspection on how the army leadership have fared as individuals and as an Army within the period.
“It is thus a period to reflect on the past year and show gratitude to God for the gift of life, relative peace that we have been able to restore to most parts of our country, and above all, hope for a better Nigeria..
“We have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to our ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, secessionist agitations, and oil-related economic crimes, amongst others.
“Our troops have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out victorious for our nation. Many, bear the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and deformities, while others are lucky to only have memories and stories to tell of their sacrifice to our beloved country. In it all, we, remain resolute in winning all land battles against our nation’s adversaries, internal and external.
“I am not unacquainted with the economic realities of our times and how that might have impacted the scale of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration and our standard of living in general. This reality is not peculiar to our dear country but a global economic issue that the Government of the day is sincerely and carefully managing.
“The government deserves our common understanding, support, and unflinching loyalty at this critical period to implement necessary reforms to reset the system and restore the economic prosperity we all yearn for.
“As we commemorate this ‘Feast of Sacrifice,’ I enjoin Nigerian Army personnel and their family members to renew their commitment to personal sacrifice for the growth and development of our great country, Nigeria. Your sacrifices, seen and unseen, are the bedrock of our nation’s security and prosperity,” the COAS added.
He noted that the dedication shown by troops is well noticed, and would by reciprocated with his show of commitment to providing the required leadership to enable them to continue to fight well and deliver more effectively.
“I salute your courage and resilience. Your efforts are crucial to our national security, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed.
“Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support and focused leadership. I equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Minister of State Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their strategic guidance.
“I sincerely thank the Nigerian public for their unwavering belief in their Army and their continuous support,” Gen. Lagbaja said.
In his speech, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, who displayed some of the items recovered from the terrorists including weapons and vehicles recovered from the recent dry season clearance operations in Sambisa Forest under “Operation Desert Sanity” said the success highlighted the efficiency, doggedness and bravery of the troops.
According to Shuaibu, the rescued of hundreds of women and children as well as neutralised and captured terrorists and recovered equipment are not mere symbols of victory but a significant representation of the sacrifices of the gallant troops.
“To the wounded in action, you have our utmost respect and commitment at ensuring your full recovery. We also pray that Almighty God continues to grant eternal rest to the souls of those that paid the supreme price during the various operations,” Shuaibu said.
He commended COAS for the visit which he said would boost the morale of troops in their tasks of restoring peace and normalcy in North East.
In his vote of thanks, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division who is also the Commander Sector I of OPHK, Brig. Gen. AGL Haruna, thanked the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering supports to the troops, adding that the presence of COAS shows his commitment to ongoing operations and welfare of troops.
“Sir, I assure you that the leadership of operation HADIN KAI is doing its best not to disappoint you, as you continue to provide us with all the needed supports. We shall continue to take the battle to the terrorists until the Theatre becomes free of any form of insurgency and terrorists activities.
“I also want to thank all the principle staff officers and Senior Officers who accompanied the Chief of Army Staff to visit us in the Theatre. This certainly means a lot to us. Sir, permit me to also use this opportunity to appreciate all the security agencies for their support to Operation HADIN KAI. Their supports have been enhancing the conduct of our operation toward the achievement of the overall mandate.
“Our immense gratitude also go to our sister services for always being there to provide Maritime and Air supports. We also thank the MNJTF for adding in no small measure values to the search for peace in the North East.
“Our sincere appreciation also go to the political leadership and the traditional leadership of Borno State for their untiring Supports,” Haruna said.
