The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the peace Nigeria enjoys is paid for with the limbs and blood of military personnel.

Mr Lagbaja said this on Thursday at the 2023 COAS Christmas Carol organised to give praise and thanks to God for the outgoing year, held at Mogadishu Cantonment Parade Ground in Abuja.

He said military men and women always stay awake as guardians of the land so that people can sleep at night.

“For our warriors in the frontlines and their families back in our rear units, I must say I quite understand what you feel at this season because I have served in many of our theatres of operations, and I have been away from my family and loved ones.

“In times like this, I understand the loneliness our military families endure and the homesickness of our troops in the frontline battle. It is part of the sacrifices we make for the love of our nation and humanity. I am proud to say that your bravery, service and dedication serve as an example to many out of uniform, and I convey the gratitude of our government and people for all you do,” he said.

Mr Lagbaja said the Christmas carol was to sing praises to God, read his words and unite in giving praise and thanks to Him for the outgoing year.

According to him, the Christmas season is unique in many ways because of what it symbolises.

“Christmas is about love, hope, giving and sharing, taking cognisance of the fact that the gift of Christ to the world is born out of God’s love for humanity. As military men and women, our life is one of sacrifice and duty.

“It is in the light of filling the gaps created by deployment away from loved ones that the Army Headquarters and other Services Headquarters organise events such as this Christmas Carol service and other social get together for us to create a sense of belonging for our military families at home and our troops in the frontlines,” he added.

The army chief urged troops on the frontlines to share joyful moments with their colleagues as they celebrate the season away from their loved ones. He also urged all personnel to extend love by giving to the less privileged around them and find solace in the camaraderie that bound them together as a formidable force against adversaries.

The army chief assured them that the entire nation stood behind them in the fight and supported them at every step to defeating the nation’s adversaries.

(NAN)