Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has called on troops to complement their military efforts with prayers for the success of the Nigerian Army (NA) in its operational engagements.
The Army Chief made the clarion call at the Interdenominational Church Service marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023 held today 2 July 2023 at the Mogadishu Military Cantonment, Abuja.
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 2, 2023
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the COAS also calls for prayers for Nigeria to remain as one indivisible entity amidst contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation.
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Since mid last week, the Nigerian Army commenced the commemoration of its 160th year of existence since 1867, when 18 men known as the Glover Hausas of the Royal Navy were organized into the formidable force that it is now.
General Lagbaja stated that the NA remains the pride of the nation and a force to reckon with in Africa and globally while noting that today’s Interdenominational Church Service is among the series of activities earmarked for all NA formations and units to commemorate the birth of the NA, as a symbol of national unity and integration.
According to the Army Chief, it also provides the opportunity for prayers and supplications to be made to God Almighty on behalf of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation in general.
“As we mark our 160th year, I must confess that our journey has not been a bed of roses, as the Nigerian Army, in the course of holding our nation together, has fought a civil war, participated in peacekeeping cum peace enforcement missions and is currently involved in combating terrorism, insurgency and other criminalities across the country,” the Army Chief averred.
General Lagbaja reiterated that the various engagements of the NA within and outside the shores of Nigeria have resulted in the loss of loved ones and breadwinners.
“We have bled, we have piled up the wounded in action, and the population of our widows and widowers, as well as orphans, has swelled. Our sacrifices are for the love of God, humanity and country,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged all NA personnel to reflect on the security challenges and include them in their prayers, believing that God Almighty will crown the efforts of the NA and the Armed Forces of Nigeria with success.
The COAS charged all personnel to continue to do their best to reciprocate the government’s gesture by remaining loyal, disciplined, patriotic and undaunting, as they combat security challenges in the various theatres of operations. He pledged more commitment to the troops’ welfare and well-being under his command.
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