Agency Report

The Chief of Army Staff,  Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, hosted a feast with troops deployed to Borno and Yobe States to celebrate this year’s Sallah festival.

Yahaya, represented by Brig.-Gen. Adamu Nura, Commander, Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, felicitated officers, soldiers, their families and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Ed-el-Kabir celebration, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“I wish to first of all, express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us while discharging our obligations to Nigeria.

“The Eid-el-Kabir festival brings a special reminder for us as it highlights the virtues of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which are also the hallmark of professional soldiering,” he said.

He said the Eid festival had provided a unique opportunity to reflect and redouble efforts towards fulfilling constitutional roles of defeating adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

The COAS said the Nigerian Army had lived up to expectations and would continue to remain focus in tackling security challenges in the country.

“I, therefore, wish to specifically recognise and appreciate the immense sacrifices of our troops in Operations Hadin Kai; Hadarin Daji, Thunder Strike, Whirl Stroke and other operations.

“Let me use this opportunity to once again pay special tributes to our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of our fatherland. May their gentle souls rest in peace, ameen,” he said.

Yahaya reiterated his commitment to promoting officers based on merit, to encourage gallantry, celebrate excellence and honour heroes.

The Army, in that spirit, conferred the COAS Commendation Award to some deserving officers and soldiers on Tuesday, July 6, during the NADCEL 2021.

“I shall continue to appreciate and applaud competence, diligence and dedicated service.

“As I will reward excellence and achievements, I will not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts.

“In line with my vision to have a Professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

According to him, the Army authorities will continue to accord premium to the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.

Yahaya said that hospital facilities and medical services were being improved to ensure quality healthcare service delivery to personnel and members of their families within and outside the country.

He said those wounded in action would be adequately treated and their requirements such as wheelchairs, prothesis and other special vocational training would be provided.

“To our colleagues who have paid the supreme price, we shall continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of their families, through prompt payment of all their entitlements, including medical bills and school sponsorship of their children,” he said.

According to him, the overall aim is to develop the individual soldier, provide him with relevant skills, competences and good leadership by his NCOs and SNCOs who he will aspire to emulate.

While commending officers and soldiers for their gallantry, Yahaya pledged to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to fight crimes in the country.

He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

“I want to once again pledge the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-On-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that normal vehicular movement had resumed in Maiduguri, following the restriction imposed by the Police to guarantee safety during the Eid prayer period.

The police had earlier announced restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri and its environs between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, as part of security measures to ensure hitch-free Eid celebration.