The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has felicitated troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS specially recognised and appreciated their sacrifices and commitment in various ongoing operations across the country.
General Yahaya urged officers and soldiers to leverage the holy season of Ramadan to reflect on the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice.
He stressed that the season provides a unique opportunity to re-examine and re-adjust efforts towards fulfilling their constitutional roles, in order to justify the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians.
The Army Chief urgef field commanders to redouble their efforts in ongoing operations, saying the best Sallah gift he expects from them is to eliminate as many bandits, kidnappers and terrorists as possible and recover as many weapons and ammunition from criminal elements.
The COAS noted that this informed his resolve to improve on medical facilities and services while ensuring that treatment of personnel and their families, particularly those who were wounded in action would continue to get support and special vocational training. This he said would help them cope with their new health status and overcome associated psychological trauma.
The Army Chief admonished officers and soldiers to remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities, as the electioneering period approaches.
He urged them to defend the nation’s democracy and avoid being lured into politics.
General Yahaya used the medium to pay special tributes to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price adding that training and welfare of personnel and their families will continue to receive paramount attention.
While wishing all Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Fitr, he equally expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for their unflinching support to the Nigerian Army in the execution of its constitutional mandate.
VON