The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has said that while citizens will be celebrating Christmas and New Year holidays with their families and loved ones, over 50, 000 troops will not enjoy the privilege as they are deployed in “difficult-to-access locations across the country.”

Commending the security forces for their dedication to the cause of national security and territorial integrity, the army chief assured that “the year ahead holds good prospects for Nigeria and the Army.”

Specifically, the COAS assured that the Force will take delivery of helicopters as well as other combat-enabling platforms in 2024, to bolster the counter-insurgency, and other ongoing operations nationwide.

Lagbaja’s Christmas/New Year message to troops across theatres of operation was conveyed in a statement, yesterday, by the Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu.

Lagbaja expressed confidence in the readiness of the executive and legislative arms of government to boost the fighting capacity of the Army “towards becoming a more efficient force.”

The statement read: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed heartfelt commendations for the sacrifices and efforts of Nigerian Army (NA) troops for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Army Chief saluted the troops’ undying faith in the Nigerian state in the face of adversity.

“In the message personally signed by the COAS on Sunday, 24 December, 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 expatiated that it is not because they did 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 were 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.

“Gen Lagbaja noted that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal Government, the year ahead holds good prospects for Nigeria and the Army; that the Service will take delivery of own helicopters and other combat enablers that would enhance better security environment across the country next year.”

“He revealed that the Army Headquarters has initiated several welfare packages that would directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families. He reiterated that the wellbeing 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 NA is constantly confronted with some challenges as it strives to fulfill its constitutional obligations but, added quickly, that they are by no means insurmountable.

“He expressed confidence in the support of the executive and legislative arms of government to boost the physical, moral and conceptual components of the NA’s fighting power towards becoming a more efficient force.”

“He reassured that the NA will continue to work with sister services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and response agencies to create and maintain peaceful, safe and secure environment for socio-economic development of the country.” (New Telegraph)