The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar said that cordial civil-military relations remain significant in achieving operational successes.
The Commander reiterated this when he visited the government house Yola and traditional rulers in Adamawa and Gombe states.
While appreciating the Adamawa State government for creating the enabling environment for socio-economic activities to strive, the Commander harped on the significance of placing a premium on security issues as collective affairs of all. He further commended the tremendous support and cooperation the troops have been getting from the State.
Receiving the GOC, the Executive Governor of Adamawa state, Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri represented by the Chief of Staff Adamawa state, Dr Edgar Sunday, appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Army in securing the lives and property of the people of the state.
He noted that security remains the topmost priority of the state, as no meaningful development can thrive without peace and security.
He reassured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state of continuous collaboration to ensure peace flourishes in all communities of the state.
While at the palace of the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Muhammadu Mustapha and the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, the GOC noted the strategic roles of traditional institutions in the security of the communities. He appreciated the traditional and community leaders for playing key roles in galvanising support for the Nigerian Army.
The traditional rulers on their part pledged their unwavering support to the security agencies and reassured them that they will continue to preach the message of unity and peaceful coexistence to their subject.
On his part, the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, revealed that the visit to the palace was a demonstration of the respect the Nigerian Army has for traditional institutions and the cordial relationship existing between the good people of Gombe and the Army.
Addressing the troops at Headquarters 23 Brigade, Yola, 232 Battalion Tactical Headquarters in Mubi as well as troops of 23 Brigade Special Battalion located in Maiha at a border town with Cameroon and troops of 301 Artillery Regiment, General Support Gombe, Major General Abubakar reminded the troops of the command philosophy of the COAS, especially on the administration and welfare of personnel and their families.
He conveyed the goodwill message of the COAS and charged the troops to discharge their duties professionally and to avoid any act capable of dragging the good name of the NA to disrepute.
General Abubakar also narrated the recent steps employed by the Army hierarchy to address the critical welfare needs of troops and their families.
He further enjoined the troops to remain committed to the fight against criminal activities, just as he urged them to maintain good relationships with the host communities. He also charged them to be alert and remain vigilant against emerging threats.
The Commander OPSH during the visit was briefed by the Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brigadier General MJ Gambo, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, General Support, Gombe, Colonel SM Ahmed as well as Commanding Officer, 232 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel TB Dzarma and the Commander 23 Brigade Special Battalion, Major Danfulani.
Dominica Nwabufo
