From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief Of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has again visited troops fighting the counterterrorism war in Borno state to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, with them.
Oluyede, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers(PSOs), and other top commanders in the Nigerian army, arrived Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, early Saturday morning, from Makurdi, Benue State where he had relocated to during the week as a result of killings by herders in that state.
While in Borno State, the COAS, is expected to join troops in the frontline in a special get together party put together to celebrate the Sallah and interact with them on how they are faring.
The COAS, is also expected to visit wounded troops on admission in various medical facility in the north east to see their recovery process and encourage them to remain strong.
Oluyede, it was gathered will receive briefing from commanders of the various operations in the north east on updates of the counter terrorism operations and make reviews where possible from where he will takeoff to troops location especially areas that came under attack by terrorists recently and taken over by soldiers.
The visit by the COAS, according to a top officer who would not want to be mentioned in print, said it’s purely to boost the morale of troops in the frontline fighting to defend the territorial integrity of the nation and assure them of their welfare and continuous support of the Nigerian army, the federal government and entire Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Gen. Oluyede, has commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and their families for their commitment, gallantry and selfless service to the nation.
In a goodwill message released to mark the Eid-El-Kabir festival, the COAS hailed the Nigerian Army’s resilience in the face of security challenges, describing the troops as a beacon of courage and sacrifice whose efforts continue to inspire national pride and unity. “Your unwavering commitment, selfless devotion, and unflinching resilience in defence of our fatherland are deeply appreciated,” the COAS averred.
Eid-El-Kabir, he noted, symbolizes the essence of sacrifice, a virtue that mirrors the daily lives of soldiers across theatres of operation. He urged troops to remain resolute and draw renewed strength from the spiritual significance of the season.
Reflecting on the NA’s collective achievements over the past year, the COAS acknowledged the gradual restoration of peace in many parts of the country, attributing the gains to the unmatched bravery, loyalty and professionalism of the troops. “Many of our gallant warriors bear the marks of battle, some carry visible scars, others live with the memories and some have paid the ultimate price in service to our great nation. We honour their legacies and stand with their families during this festive period. “Their heroism remains etched in our national memory.”.
The COAS in a statement signed by the acting director army public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Gen. Oluyede, further reiterated the unwavering resolve of the NA to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and combat emerging security threats. He called on troops to remain disciplined, united, and mission-focused in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“The COAS also expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support, strategic direction, and commitment to strengthening national security architecture.
“As the Eid celebration unfolds, the COAS encouraged military personnel and their families to observe the season with gratitude, humility and renewed dedication to service.