The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has commended troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for the gains so far made in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East Theatre.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said General Lagbaja who urged the troops to sustain the momentum was speaking in Maiduguri on Monday, 17 June 2024, while celebrating the Eid-El-Kabir with troops at the front lines.
The COAS stated, “As an Army, it has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifices in blood and treasure, as we have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.”
He acknowledged the troops’ dedication, many of whom, he said, ‘still bear the physical and emotional scars of battle’, stressing that they have displayed uncommon courage in the face of daunting challenges and have always emerged victorious.
The Army Chief appreciated the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in providing requisite platforms that have contributed to the overall success of ongoing operations.
General Lagbaja equally appreciated the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their joint effort in the fight against the nation’s adversaries.
Before the luncheon, the COAS had commissioned several projects in Maimalari Cantonment, including the newly constructed Headquarters 47 Engineers Brigade Office complex, a newly built road named Major General YM Abubakar Drive and another newly rehabilitated connecting road.
In an address of welcome, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu congratulated the COAS for attaining one year in office since he assumed command as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023, describing his one-year tenure as a highly productive year.
The Theatre Commander emphasised that the presence of the COAS in the theatre was not only to mark the Eid-El-Kabir Celebration but also to witness the modest gains in troops’ offensive operations from January to date across the Theatre.
He catalogued the several recoveries made by the gallant troops to include, one each of VBL, MOWAG APC, PHANTOM MRAP, PROFORCE MRAP, CAMEL MRAP, LOW BED, and other vehicles with various degrees of damage by insurgent actions which have been repaired by the Theatre Main Repair Group.
He pointed out that it was expedient to showcase the repaired assets captured and recovered from the insurgents in order to discourage the practice of adding more to the equipment graveyard in the theatre.
He enthused that the initiative of repairing captured and recovered platforms and vehicles conforms with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, “To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
The Theatre Commander further stated that the displayed items are to also highlight the effectiveness of the theatre’s operational engagements through the doggedness and bravery of the troops.
“The rescued hostages surrendered women and children, neutralized JAS/ISWAP fighters, as well as captured and recovered equipment and platforms are not mere symbols of victory, but a significant representation of the sacrifices of our gallant troops across the Theatre”, Gen Shuaibu declared.
Highlights of the event were the display of a large cache of arms, platforms, and other equipment recovered from terrorists and insurgents, as well as the dishing of food by the COAS to officers and soldiers, who were wounded in action and currently receiving medical attention at the Headquarters 7 Division Military Hospital and Services.
The occasion was witnessed by Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force and Theatre Commander OPHK. Others are Deputy Force Commander MNJTF, Deputy Theatre Commander, GOC 7 Division, officers, and troops of OPHK.
Dominica Nwabufo
