The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has said the Nigerian Army remains committed, determined and focused to ending insurgency, banditry and other forms of external as well as internal aggression disturbing the peace of the country.

Mr Lagbaja spoke in a goodwill message during a special Easter lunch with the troops in the field at the Forward Operation Base, Rijana in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.

The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigeria Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.

He said, “It gives me great pleasure to felicitate with officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army, as well as our family members, on the occasion of Easter celebration. This year’s Easter celebration is unique in that it coincides with the Ramadan fast. Hence, it allows the Christians and Muslims alike to reflect on God’s abundant grace on our nation, Nigeria and reminds us of the duties and sacrifices we must make towards God, humanity, and our beloved country.”

He added it provided an opportunity to appreciate the love of God displayed through the sacrifices of Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind.

Mr Lagbaja said, “The Lenten period is characterised by self-denial, abstinence, prayers, and alms giving, which heralded

the Easter Celebration. It also reminds us of the sacrifices, sometimes supreme, that officers and men of the Nigerian Army make to ensure that our territorial integrity is preserved at all times. “

Mr Lagbaja congratulated the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for witnessing this year’s Easter celebration.

He urged them to continue to espouse the values and virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Mr Lagbaja said that the Nigerian Army continued to record tremendous successes in various operations at home and abroad.

He said, “You all can attest to our achievements so far, especially in the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and other internal security operations nationwide. As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation, I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment will always be prioritised to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively.”

The army chief acknowledged and thanked the officers and soldiers for their doggedness in tackling the numerous security challenges bedevilling the nation.

“You have displayed much commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism. For this, I say well done and charge you not to rest on your laurels until we have eliminated all forms of threat to our country,” Mr Lagbaja added.

He lamented the recent unwarranted and murder of their colleagues in Okuama community of Delta State which occurred on March 14.

Mr Lagbaja added, “I urge you all to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities.”

He encouraged the troops to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of their departed colleagues who paid the supreme price for the noble cause of keeping the country safe.

He added, “I will continue to prioritise the welfare of our officers, soldiers and families, including those of our departed colleagues. I, therefore, charge you all to use this Easter celebration to offer prayers against all forms of negative forces militating against the peace and progress of our dear nation.’’

The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army and the confidence reposed in him to lead the army at this period in the nation’s history.

“I wish to reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty in the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our fatherland,” Mr Lagbaja said.

(NAN)