Chief of Army Staff Faruk Yahaya has urged Nigerian soldiers to remain apolitical and professional in discharging their constitutional responsibilities during the electioneering.

Mr Yahaya gave the charge in his goodwill message to troops on the occasion of the Eid-El-Fitri celebration released by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Friday in Abuja.

The COAS advised officers and soldiers to defend the nation’s democracy,  avoid being lured into politics and commended them for their sacrifices and commitment to the ongoing operations nationwide.

He urged them to leverage the holy season of Ramadan to reflect on the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice.

Mr Yahaya said the season provided a unique opportunity to re-examine and re-adjust efforts toward fulfilling their constitutional roles and justify the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians.

He charged field commanders to redouble efforts in ongoing operations and achieve results.

He said the best Sallah gift he expects from them is to eliminate as many bandits, kidnappers and terrorists as possible and recover as many weapons and ammunition from criminal elements.

The COAS paid special tributes to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of their fatherland and reiterated his commitment to training and welfare of personnel and their families, promising to improve medical facilities and services.

He said the treatment of personnel and their families, particularly those wounded in action, would continue to get support and special vocational training to help them cope with their new health status and overcome associated psychological trauma.

The COAS expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for their unflinching support to the Nigerian Army in executing its constitutional mandate. (NAN)