Yuletide: Over 50,000 army personnel deployed – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has said over 50,000 troops of the Nigerian Army would miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person during this yuletide.

He said the soldiers would be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, communities, villages and hamlets across the country and beyond.

He expressed heartfelt commendations for the sacrifices and efforts of Nigerian Army troops in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

This was contained in a statement by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, on Sunday.

The COAS saluted the troops’ undying faith in the Nigerian state in the face of adversity.

He congratulated troops for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came their way, adding that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal Government, the year ahead holds good prospects for Nigeria and the Army.

He revealed that in the coming year, the Army expects to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that would enhance the security environment across the country. He revealed that the Army Headquarters had initiated several welfare projects that would directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families.

He reiterated that troops’ well-being is of utmost importance. He assured that he would continue to work tirelessly to provide troops’ with the requisite resources to carry out their duties effectively.

General Lagbaja stated that he was aware that some challenges constantly confront the Army as it strives to fulfil its constitutional obligations, but added quickly that they are by no means insurmountable.

He expressed confidence in the support of the executive and legislative arms of government to boost the physical, morale and conceptual components of the NA’s fighting power towards becoming a more efficient force.

He reassured that the Army would continue to work with sister services to create and maintain a peaceful, safe and secure environment for the socio-economic development of the country.