… commissions legacy projects
By Victor Akaa.
In a show of appreciation and support, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, celebrated Eid-El-Kabir with troops of the Joint Task Force North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Monday, June 17, 2024.
The Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said, General Lagbaja commended the troops for their gains in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, urging them to sustain the momentum.
He noted that their dedication and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and thanked them for displaying uncommon courage in the face of daunting challenges and victorious successes.
The COAS acknowledged the sacrifices of the troops, many of whom have been wounded in battle. “As an Army, it has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifices in blood and treasure,” he said. “We have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment, but we remain committed to our constitutional responsibilities.”
General Lagbaja thanked the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army. He also appreciated the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their joint effort in the fight against the nation’s adversaries.
Prior to the luncheon, the COAS commissioned several projects in Maimalari Cantonment, including a newly constructed Headquarters 47 Engineers Brigade Office complex, a road named Major General YM Abubakar Drive, and a rehabilitated connecting road.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu, congratulated the COAS on his one-year tenure and highlighted the modest gains in troops’ offensive operations. “The presence of the COAS in the theatre is a morale booster,” he said. “It shows that our efforts are recognized and appreciated.”
The event showcased a large cache of arms, platforms, and equipment recovered from terrorists and insurgents, as well as wounded officers and soldiers receiving medical attention. “These recovered items are a testament to the effectiveness of our operational engagements,” General Shaibu said.
