Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, said that more than 50,000 soldiers are currently involved in several peacekeeping operations nationwide.
The internal security operations include counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East, separatist operations in the South-East, and combating oil theft in the South-South.
Lagbaja disclosed this at a special luncheon organised for frontline troops of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt. Represented by Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigeria Army, Lagbaja said the troops had sacrificed their comfort for Nigerians to live peacefully.
He said: “I congratulate you all for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came our way. As we celebrate the season, I express my genuine respect and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“It is a fact that over 50,000 of our colleagues will miss wishing their families and loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person this season.
“This is not because they do not want to, but because they will be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, villages, and hamlets across the country and beyond.
“They (troops) are duty bound to stand guard, while their families and other families rejoice and celebrate together. To these gallant warriors, I say thank you for your sacrifices.”
The army chief said he was passionate about returning troops home to their families and had already begun taking actionable steps to ensure their safe return.
He said that among the measures taken to safely withdraw soldiers from armed conflicts was the engagement of other security agencies to take over their constitutional role from the army.
Earlier in his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, said the luncheon was designed by the army and the COAS to appreciate soldiers for their uncommon sacrifices to the military and the nation, as well as their sacrificial contributions and commitments in operations that have a direct bearing in shaping the economic mainstay of the nation.
In his goodwill speech, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, commended the Nigerian Army for its immeasurable sacrifices in safeguarding the country and Nigerians. The governor promised that his administration would continue to support and work in synergy with security agencies to improve security in the state.