Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed appreciation to troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) for their commitment in combating security challenges across the country. He disclosed this as part of his goodwill message to the troops and their families as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

Expressing gratitude to the God for protection and guidance, the army chief said the festival represents virtues of sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and emulated by Prophet Muhammed.

He said the season brings to remembrance the supreme sacrifice officers and soldiers make daily to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria is preserved.

According to army spokesman, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS added that the celebration embodies courage, selfless service, discipline, integrity, respect for others, and loyalty, which he described as core values of the NA.

“General Lagbaja urged the troops to leverage spirituality of the occasion and pray for the NA, as it strives to combat security challenges in all theatres of operation across the country.

“He noted that his appointment was a call to engender change and make a difference towards fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of the NA, in line with his command philosophy, ‘to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment’.”

The COAS, who lauded troops deployed in ongoing operations within and outside the shores of the country, said: “In the course of my career, I witnessed, in different capacities, your efforts and sacrifices. Therefore, I have no doubt about the zeal and commitment of our troops in ensuring success of the NA in combating complex, multifaceted and unpredictable security threats bedeviling our country, alongside our sister services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.”

The COAS assured that he would provide needed leadership and consolidate on prior achievements of the NA, ensuring that current security problems confronting the nation are decimated. He urged the troops to remain resolute, undaunted, disciplined and patriotic as they combat adversaries of the country.

He further expressed gratitude to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him and the NA, reaffirming unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the Constitution and President.