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 yesterday 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 organised to celebrate 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 would 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.
According to him, Eid-El-Kabir 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.
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.