The Nigerian Army’s troops have been exhorted by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to continue being resolute, industrious, and devoted to carrying out their constitutional tasks while continuing to grieve the senseless and horrific killing of their colleagues in Okuama Community, Delta State.
The COAS also commended officers and soldiers for their tenacity in addressing the many security issues facing the country, noting that they had demonstrated a great deal of dedication, bravery, resiliency, and professionalism in their different operations.
At an Easter luncheon held for the front-line soldiers of “Operation Hadin Kai” on Monday at the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army sports facility, Maimalari Cantonment, in Maiduguri, Lagbaja made this statement.
He went on to say that the Easter celebration this year is special because it falls during the Ramadan fast. This gives Muslims and Christians alike the opportunity to consider God’s abundant grace upon Nigeria and to remember the sacrifices and obligations that each of us has toward God, humanity, and our nation.
The COAS stated, “In line with my Command Philosophy, ‘To transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities,’ I have ensured the implementation of quality training and equipping toward combating the myriad security threats confronting the nation.” Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the theater commander of “Operation Hadin Kai,” represented the COAS.
As a result, the Nigerian Army has continued to achieve amazing accomplishments in a variety of missions both domestically and internationally under my direction. As you can all attest, we have made significant progress thus far, particularly with the current “Operation Hadin Kai” in the Northeast and other national internal security operations.
“I promise you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and the provision of the necessary equipment, will always be prioritized to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively as we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation.
“Let me use this occasion to recognize and express my gratitude to you, my officers and soldiers, for your unwavering perseverance in addressing the various security issues plaguing our country. You have demonstrated considerable commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism. I commend you on this accomplishment and urge you to keep going until every threat to our nation has been removed.
“As we continue to mourn the senseless and horrific killing of our colleagues in Delta State’s Okuama Community on March 14, 2024, I implore you all to continue being firm, industrious, and dedicated to carrying out our constitutional duties. I implore you to keep praying for the peace of our dead colleagues’ souls who made the ultimate price for the noble cause of keeping our beloved country safe. ”
In his speech, Brig-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, the General Officer Commanding and the Commander of Sector 1 of “Operation Hadin Kai,” stated that the fantastic occasion not only promotes the values of the Easter season but also cultivates the espirit de corp among the troops, which in turn helps to increase the fighting spirit on the battlefield.