By Augustine Ehikioya
In the mood of Ramadan celebration, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has directed troops to eliminate more bandits, kidnappers and terrorists, and recover as much weapons and ammunition from criminal elements to serve as the best Sallah gift to Nigerians.
He also felicitated with the troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) on the occasion of the Eid-El-Fitr.
This was contained in his Goodwill Message to personnel across all NA formations and units.
A statement issued on Friday by the Director Army Public Relations,
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that the COAS specially recognized and appreciated the troops’ sacrifices and commitment in the various ongoing operations across the Nation.
The statement said “The COAS urged officers and soldiers to leverage on the holy season of Ramadan to reflect on the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice, stressing that the season provides a unique opportunity to re-examine and re-adjust efforts towards fulfilling their constitutional roles, in order to justify the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians.
“He charged field commanders to redouble their efforts in ongoing operations, adding that the best Sallah gift he expects from them is to eliminate as many bandits, kidnappers and terrorists as possible, and recover as much weapons and ammunition from criminal elements.”
Gen Yahaya, according to the statement, used the medium to pay special tributes to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of fatherland.
He said that under his watch, training and welfare of personnel and their families will continue to receive paramount attention.
The Army Chief noted that this informed his resolve to improve on medical facilities and services, while ensuring that treatment of personnel and their families, particularly those who are wounded in action will continue to “get support and special vocational training to help them cope with their new health status and overcome associated psychological trauma.”
The statement added “He however, admonished officers and soldiers to remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as the electioneering period approaches. He urged them to defend the Nation’s democracy and avoid being lured into politics.”
While wishing all Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Fitr, Gen Yahaya expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for their unflinching support to the Nigerian Army in the execution of its constitutional mandate.