Insecurity: Army chief urges personnel not to give up

…holds Easter luncheon for troops on B’Haram war

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has urged officers and soldiers in various military operations across the country not to give up the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent acts including recent attack on personnel.

Gen Lagbaja in his goodwill message to troops and Nigerian Army family at an Easter Luncheon for troops in the counter-insurgencx operation in northeast held in Maidiguri, the operational headquarters on Monday, charged army personnel not to despair.

“I charge you not to rest on your oars until we have eliminated all forms of threat to our country,” he said.

He urged troops to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of their duties despite the sad incident of the murder of their colleagues at Okuama, Delta State on March 14.

Represented by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Shuaibu Waidi, the army chief assured of prioritizing welfare of officers and soldiers.

He said the Easter luncheon was unique because it coincided with Ramadan fast.

Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) )7 Division Nigerian Army Maiduguri, Brig Gen Abubakar Haruna said the current security threats in the country requires more collaboration with other sister agencies.

He commended the Nigerian Navy and Air Force for providing support for the operation against Boko Haram and criminal element around the Lake Chad region.