Yuletide: Chief of Army Staff salutes troops, deploy 50,000 personnel to protect Nigerians

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has said over 50,000 troops of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to keep the country safe during the yuletide season.

The soldiers, according to the Chief of Army Staff, would be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, communities, villages and hamlets across Nigeria.

In a Christmas and New Year message to the Nigerian Army troops, Lieutenant General Lagbaja commended his men for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice to keep the nation one.

In the message personally signed by the COAS on Sunday 24 December 2023, 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 fifty thousand 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 further, that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal Government, the year ahead holds good prospects for Nigeria and the Army. He revealed, that in the coming year, the NA expects to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that would enhance better security environment across the country.

He revealed that the Army Headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that would directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families. He reiterated that the well-being 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 by 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, morale 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.