9th April, 2024
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has the Army remained committed, determined, and focused on ensuring the total defeat of insurgents, marauding bandits, and all other forms of external and internal threats to our dear country.
Lagbaja said this in his goodwill message on Tuesday in Abuja to the Nigerian Army family on the occasion of Ed-el-fitr celebration.
He also commended the troops for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
“Your commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, illegal mining, and other forms of criminalities challenging our existence as a Nation have not gone unnoticed by the government and the people of Nigeria.
“You all will bear me witness that the government of the day has, within available means, kept faith with its promise to make the welfare of members of the armed forces and our families of uttermost importance.
“The only way to reciprocate this is by redoubling our efforts at creating the right environment for peace and economic prosperity of our people and country,” he said.
Lagbaja also commended the personnel for their continued contributions towards ensuring the total defeat of adversaries troubling the nation.
He assured them of prioritising their welfare while maintaining the sanction and reward system which, according to him, characterised the sound administration pillar of his Command Philosophy.
He also assured those who, due to operational commitments, were unable to join their family members and loved ones, that the aation appreciates their sacrifice and services.
The army chief said that securing the nation against all forms of threats, internal and external, was a duty they were bound to perform.
He urged them to continue to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan and espouse the acts of charity, kindness, and patience, among other virtues emphasised during the fasting season.
The COAS challenged the troops not to rest on their oars in implementing strategic policies of the government through successful operational activities and effective tactical actions.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful for concluding the 2024 Ramadan fast successfully and felicitated the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff and family members on the occasion of Eid-El-Fitr 2024.
According to him, Eid-el-Fitr is of great religious, cultural, and social significance to the Muslim faithful and all members of the Nigerian army.
“I believe that your fasting, acts of charity, love, patience, and perseverance have strengthened your relationship with Almighty Allah and enhanced your humanness.
“The overlapping of the Lenten and Ramadan seasons this year offered a good lesson to us as a nation on the need to live in harmony with one another.
“These spiritual exercises created a solemn atmosphere for Christians and Muslims alike to reflect and pray for our nation and leaders as we navigate the current economic and security realities that we face, and I have no doubt that you have taken advantage of the season to do just that.
“I equally hope that you spared a moment during the Ramadan fast to pray for the repose of the souls of our departed colleagues who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and the families they left behind,” he added.
Lagbaja thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian army and reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and resolve of the personnel in the defence of the country.
“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 threats to our dear country.
“As we celebrate Eid-El-Fitr 2024, I challenge you to renew your hope and faith in the unity of our nation and continue to fight for the just cause of keeping Nigeria safe and secure.
“I urge all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to use this Eid-El-Fitr celebration to pray for our continued successes,
“I once again wish our Muslim faithful and, indeed, all Nigerian Army personnel and their family members a wonderful and happy Eid-El-Fitr celebration,” he said. (NAN)