The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has celebrated this year’s Christmas withwounded soldiersand widows of officers killed in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

The Army boss in company of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka. O. Alao and other senior military officers served wounded soldiers the meals for the luncheon, donated food items and the N20, 000 each to widows of soldiers killed by insurgents, in the spirit of the season.

Speaking during the luncheon on Saturday at the Maimalari barrack in Maiduguri, the COAS, said that the Christmas celebration provide a unique and solemn occasion for him to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty and comradely of the troops in Operation Hadinkai and other operations the Nigeria Army is engaged in across the country.

“I must commend you for the successes recorded especially in recent times; our fallen heroes who pay the supreme price in the defense of our beloved country. It is my fervent prayer that the Almighty God will grant their souls eternal peace and comforter.

“To their families, I wish to use this opportunity to inform you the President and Commander in Chief of Nigeria Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari remained committed to enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through the provision of modern arms, vehicles and other equipment to ensure that this war is brought to a logical conclusion in the soonest possible time.

“The fact that the President has visited Borno twice this year and during his visit he made out time to address troops in spite of his tight schedule, underline the President’s commitment to these operations. The recent mass delivery of heavy equipment in the theater is a testament of Mr President resolve to end insurgency and all forms of insecurity in a dear nation,” Yahaya said.

He also commiserated with the widows of the fallen heroes and thanked the theater commander for including them in the event which is the first of its kind.

“I want specially appreciate the wounded in action gallant troops and those who are recuperating in the hospital who despite the situation has remain committed and resolute in their support our operations,” he said.

Also speaking, the Theater Commander of Operation Hadinkai. Maj. Gen. Chris Musa, said that the visits of the Service Chiefs to the troops have made great impact and successes to the operations.

“We are always looking forward to many of your visit as such many come with huge benefits in terms of equipment to the theater, support in strategic guidance and enhanced moral,” Musa said.

(Daily Trust)