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From Timothy Olanrewajuy Maiduguri
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja disclosed during a Christmas Launch with troops of the Joint Task Force Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai at the headquarters, 27 Task Force Brigade, Buni-Gari Yobe State.
Lagbaja said the factor that prevented the army personnel from being physically available with their families at the festive period, was not caused by them but by the call of duty to keep the fights against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements going to ensure people celebrate peacefully.
“Over 50, 000 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army deployed to various operations across the country will not be physically available to celebrate the Christmas and New Year with their families,” the COAS said.
Represented by the Commander Armoured Corps, Maj Gen MS Ahmed, the army chief commended the sacrifices and commitment of troops in the area in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
He announced that the Nigerian Army leadership has introduced some welfare projects for the personnel. He urged them to keep the tempo of fight and morale high.
Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Gold Chibuisi in his opening remark, said the choice of Buni Gari, a remote town in Sobe State, for the 2023 COAS’s Christmas celebration with troops, was to ensure troops outside the Theatre Headquarters have a feel of COAS care during the festive season.
He expressed appreciation especially to troops that sustained injuries in the course of the operations. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.
The Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni was represented by his Special Adviser on security, Brig Gen D Abdulsalam (retd).
