Maj.-Gen. Abdusalami Ibrahim, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigeria Army, Rukuba, Jos, has called for concerted prayers for the army and other security agencies to tackle insecurity in the country.

Mr Ibrahim made the call at the inter-denominational service organised to commemorate the 2023 Army Day Celebration on Sunday in Jos.

The GOC, who decried the spate of insecurity in the country, said that the army and other security agencies need the support and cooperation of Nigerians to succeed in their quest to end insecurity.

“We are here to celebrate 160 years of our existence as the Nigerian Army and meritorious service to the nation. We are also here to pray for ourselves, our colleagues who died in active service and those who have retired,” stated Mr Ibrahim. “This is why we are urging law-abiding Nigerians to continue to pray and support the army and other security agencies toward tackling insecurity in the country.”

The GOC added, “We want to assure Nigerians that we are committed to defending the territorial integrity of our dear nation against external insurrection or internal wrangling.”

The army commander, who also read the Chief of Army Staff’s message, called on soldiers to be professional while discharging their duties.

Earlier, in a brief sermon, Martins Awoyinka, the Catholic chaplain of the division, called on Christians to always put their trust in God.

Mr Awoyinka, a Lieutenant Colonel, urged Christians to always submit to God’s will, “who is the author and finisher of our being.”

The chaplain also advised personnel to be united and stand for each other, particularly in difficult times.

“Treat each other with respect, correct in love and stand for each other at all times,” he advised.

The Juma’at prayer was also held on Friday as part of activities to commemorate the Army Day Celebration in the division. 

(NAN)