Over 50,000 Troops Will Miss Wishing Loved Ones Merry Christmas In Person Like Other Nigerians.
The Nigerian Army has commended troops for their sacrifices to ensure the safety and security of the country’s territorial integrity.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja also praised the troops for their “undying faith in the Nigerian State in the face of adversity”.
In the message personally signed by the COAS on Sunday, December 24, 2023, and released by Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army chief congratulated troops for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came their way.
He noted that over 50,000 troops of the Nigerian Army would miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person, during this Yuletide.
He explained that it is not because they do not want to, but because they would be on “duty across difficult-to-access towns, communities, villages and hamlets, across the country and beyond”.
He stated that the troops are duty-bound to be deployed, while other families rejoice and celebrate together, sometimes not knowing if similar celebrations are going on in their own families.
Lagbaja noted further that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Nigerian Government, the year ahead holds good prospects for the country and the Army.
He revealed that in 2024, the Nigerian Army expects to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that would enhance better security environment across the country.
According to him, the Army Headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that would directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families.
He reiterated that the well-being of troops is of utmost importance and assured that he would continue to work tirelessly to provide troops’ with the requisite resources to carry out their duties effectively.
General Lagbaja stated that he was not oblivious that the Army was constantly confronted by some challenges as it strove to fulfil its constitutional obligations. He, however, added that the challenges were by no means insurmountable.
He reassured that the Army will continue to work with sister services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and response agencies to create and maintain a peaceful, safe and secure environment for the socio-economic development of the country.
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