Eid-el-Kabir: Army stays focused in addressing security problems – Yahaya

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has guaranteed Nigerians that the Nigerian Army would stay focused in addressing the countless security problems tormenting the nation.

Yahaya, on Monday, gave the guarantee in his goodwill message to officers, soldiers and their families in the event of Eid-el-Kabir celebration 2021, in Abuja.

The COAS said that Eid-el-Kabir festival emphasised the qualities of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which were the symbol of professional soldiering.

In accordance with him, “Eid Festival therefore provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect and redouble our efforts towards fulfilling our constitutional roles of defeating our adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

“No doubt, the nation is faced with myriads of security challenges, the Nigerian Army has so far lived up to expectations and will continue to remain focused in tackling these challenges.

“I, therefore, wish to specifically recognise and appreciate the immense sacrifices of our troops in Operations Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Thunder Strike, Whirl Stroke and all other operations the Army is engaged within and outside the country.

“Let me use this opportunity to once again pay special tributes to our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of our Fatherland. May their gentle souls rest in peace, a web.”

The COAS said he would keep to his promise to promote excellence, commend bravery, competence, diligence, dedicated service, laud excellence and honour “our heroes”.

He added that he would reward merit and accomplishments, stating that he would not hesitate to punish indiscipline, lethargy, negligence and all indecent actions.

Yahaya said that it was in that spirit that he gave the COAS Commendation Award to some worthy officers and soldiers on July 6 during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021.

As indicated by him, it is his purpose to focus on the primary values of the Nigerian army, which include loyalty, courage, integrity and selfless service in accordance with his vision.

The COAS also reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of individual soldier and also to empower the Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to boost their competence.

He said, “It is important to re-iterate at this point that the welfare of my officers, soldiers and their families will continue to receive adequate attention under my watch.

“Our hospital facilities and services are being improved upon and I am ever determined to ensure the healthcare of personnel and their families both within and outside the country.

“Those wounded in action will be adequately treated and their requirements such as wheelchairs, prosthesis and other special vocational training will be provided.

“To our colleagues who have paid the supreme price, we shall continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of their families, through prompt payment of all their entitlements, including medical bills and school sponsorship of their children.”

Yahaya further lauded the officers and soldiers for their bravery and advised them to continue the good works, guarantee cooperation with other services, security agencies and all shareholders.

The COAS advised them to stay impartial and keep on discharging their duties professionally to defend the constitution of the country.