The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian army will remain committed to winning all land battles to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Mr Oluyede said this on Saturday at a  Christmas Luncheon with the troops of Sub Sector 5, Operation Fansan Yamma,  Kachia, Kaduna.

Mr Oluyede emphasised that he would prioritise personnel welfare, recognise excellence and ensure an efficient system of rewards and sanctions, saying, ”This is in furtherance of my command philosophy.”

The army chief thanked all the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and untiring commitment in tackling the numerous security challenges facing the country.

“This is especially to those deployed in the various theatres and peacekeeping operations that would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to the exigency of duty.

“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and the allies of Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Oluyede charged all the army personnel to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority.

The army chief also urged them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in discharging their assigned duties and responsibilities.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the army while pledging their loyalty.

Mr Oluyede said, “The Nigerian Army will remain committed, determined and focused on winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

”This is to protect her national interests and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

Speaking in his capacity as the GOC, Saraso said the security situation in his division’s area of responsibility has remained volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

He, however, said the division had ensured stability in the AOR, adding, ”This is exemplified by the relative security being enjoyed along the strategic Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja-Kaduna road and rail corridor.

”Several kidnapped victims had been rescued or released from captivity unconditionally, while many bandits had also laid down their arms due to the division’s proactive kinetic and non-kinetic engagements.

“These modest successes have been made possible through the collective dedication and sacrifices of our gallant troops in the field.”

Speaking further, the GOC urged the division and the army to ensure that the troops were continuously motivated to accomplish all statutory or assigned tasks.

(NAN)