The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.Gen. T. A. Lagbaja has expressed his determination towards prioritizing the welfare of men and officers of the Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Lagbaja said the military high command is working assiduously to build a viable capacity in the statutory security architecture to end crime and criminality facing Nigeria.
He gave the assurance Monday during a Christmas luncheon with troops of Operation Safe Haven, held at Mangu Youth Community, Mangu LGA, Plateau state.
Represented by Maj.Gen.Markus Kangye, the Officer Commanding Division Corps of Artillery, said “I congratulate you all for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came our way as we celebrate this Christmas and New Year’s season. I want to take a moment to express my genuine respect and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and sacrifice, in ensuring the safety and security of our great nation.
“I commend your courage, resilience in the face of adversity and salute your old days in the Nigerian state. It is a fact that over 50,000 of our colleagues will miss wishing their families or loved ones, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
“This is not because they will not want to, but because there will be on duty across difficult to access towns, villages and hamlets across the country and beyond. They are duty bound to stay on guard while other families rejoice and celebrate together. Sometimes not knowing how similar celebrations are going on in their families, to these great warriors, I say thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to duty judging by the policies and unfolding programs of the federal government, holds a lot of good prospects for Nigeria and the military. In the coming year, the Nigerian Army expect to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better security environment developed across the country”, he stated
He further mentioned that the Army Headquarters has initiated supply welfare projects that will directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families, noting, “your well being is of utmost importance and we shall continue to work tirelessly to provide you with the necessary resources and support to carry out your duties effectively. I am not oblivious.
“Now we are constantly confronted by personal challenges as we strive to fulfill our constitutional obligations… I have no doubt there will be support team and extended arms of government.
“The Army Headquarters will be able to boost the morale and conceptual companies of our 5G Power becoming a more efficient force. We aim to work with Sister services, Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to confirm and maintain a peaceful, safe and secure environment for social economic activities to thrive.
“As a Chief of Army Staff, our desire is to return our troops home to their families and loved ones safely. To this end, we look forward to creating a more stable condition that will allow for a drawdown in the strength of those on internal security duties across the court. We shall endeavour to help build capacity in security agencies to take charge of our internal security effectively.
“At the same time, we hope to calibrate our efforts towards our primary constitutional duty of ensuring our territorial integrity. As we celebrate this festive season, I urge you all to spend time with your comrades, share joyful moments and heartfelt conversations and find solace in the camaraderie that binds us together as a formidable force.
“Remember, you are not alone in this fight to maintain peace. The entire nation stands with you, supporting you in every step to defeat our adversaries and having a peaceful Nigeria.”
Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.Gen.A.A Abubakar revealed that the troops successful recovered 200 illegal arms and reduced cattle rustling and night grazing.
He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for their unwavering support, saying, “together we can continue to make positive impact on the lives of those we have sworn to protect.”
