Your sacrifices won’t be in vain, COAS assures wounded soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday celebrated Christmas with sick and wounded soldiers in action, assuring them that their sacrifices would never go in vain.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oluyede made this statement during a Christmas luncheon with the sick and wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

The COAS assured that the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families, including the injured and those who lost their lives, remains his top priority. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s readiness to enhance professionalism and combat-readiness under his leadership.

Represented by the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye, Oluyede emphasized fostering professionalism alongside maintaining sound administration. He pledged to prioritize personnel welfare, recognize excellence, and ensure an efficient system of rewards and sanctions.

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The Army Chief said: “All these are in furtherance of my command philosophy, which is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

He thanked all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and untiring commitment to tackling the numerous security challenges facing the country.

“This is especially for those deployed in the various theatres and peacekeeping operations who would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to the exigency of duty.
“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and the allies of Nigeria,” he said.

Oluyede urged all Nigerian Army personnel to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to constituted authority while fully committing to achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

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He also called on them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in discharging their assigned duties. As they celebrate Christmas, the COAS encouraged them to use the opportunity to remember and pray for the repose of the souls of departed gallant colleagues, including the immediate past COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

“The Nigerian Army will ever remain committed, determined, and focused on winning all land battles in defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting her national interests, and accomplishing other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment,” Oluyede assured.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, noted that the Christmas celebration provides a unique avenue to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty, and commitment of gallant troops in the 1 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Saraso acknowledged the security situation in the Division’s AOR as volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous but noted that the Division has ensured stability in the region.

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He highlighted the relative security being enjoyed along the strategic Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja-Kaduna road/rail corridor, adding that several kidnapped victims have been rescued or released from captivity unconditionally, while many bandits have laid down their arms due to the Division’s proactive kinetic and non-kinetic engagements.

“These modest successes have been made possible through the collective dedication and sacrifices of our gallant troops in the field. We in 1 Division and indeed the Nigerian Army as a whole must ensure that our troops are continuously motivated to accomplish all statutory or assigned tasks,” he said.

Saraso stated that the lunch was a token of appreciation for the wounded in action and sick soldiers, recognizing their hard work and sacrifices throughout 2024. He emphasized its purpose in reinvigorating their commitment to securing the Division’s AOR and ensuring that no safe haven exists for terrorist or insurgent activities within the 1 Division AOR.