Eid-el-kabir: Army chief hails troops’ sacrifice against terrorists
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has commended troops in various theatres of operation across the country for their determination and sacrifice in combating security challenges.
COAS made the commendation in his congratulatoty message to troops on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration, noting that the festival symbolizes sacrifice and submission to the will of the Almighty God, as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim and emulated by Prophet Muhammed.
General Lagbaja explained that the festivity recalls the supreme sacrifice officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army make on a daily basis to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, noting that the celebration also exhibits courage, selfless service, discipline, integrity, respect for others, and loyalty, which according to him, is the core values of the Nigerian Army.
He then called on the troops to take advantage of the spirituality of the occasion to pray for the Nigerian Army, as it is making concerted efforts to combat security challenges in all theatres operations across the country just as he commended the troops deployed in ongoing operations within and outside the shores of the country for their sacrifice.
General Lagbaja, who is the 23rd COAS, stressed that that his appointment was a call to rebuild Nigeria Army in order to fulfil constitutional tasks which include ” transforming the Nigeria Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
“In the course of my career, I witnessed in different capacities, your efforts and sacrifices, therefore, I have no doubt about the zeal and commitment of our troops in ensuring the success of the Nigerian Army in combating the complex, multifaceted, and unpredictable security threats bedeviling our country, alongside our sister services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” he said.
While assuring that he would provide the much-desired leadership and build on the success of his predecessors in ensuring that the current security challenges facing the nation are dealt with, the COAS charged the troops to remain resolute, undaunted, disciplined and patriotic in combating the adversaries of the country.
Lagbaja then expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for trusting him, while affirming unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the constitution and the President.