Buratai commends troops’ efforts at tackling insurgency in Nigeria

The Chief of army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has commended the personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dogged determination towards ensuring that total victory on the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents and other forms of criminality in the country is achieved.

Speaking Sunday at the interdenominational church service commemorating the 2019 Nigerian Army Day Celebrations at St Charles Luanga Catholic Chaplaincy, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Gen Buratai who was represented by the Chief of standards and Evaluation Major General AO Shodunke said, the good work and innumerable sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army have in no small way contributed immensely towards ensuring a safer and indeed more secure Nigeria.

“This annual event has once again provided the avenue for me to appreciate the good work and innumerable sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army (NA) who have in no small way contributed immensely towards ensuring a safer and indeed more secure Nigeria.

“I wish to also in a special way acknowledge your dogged determination towards ensuring that total victory on the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents and other forms of criminality in the country is achieved. I urge you all to keep up the momentum so that in no distant future the security challenges facing the country will be a thing of the past.”

He reminded officers and men of the force that the recognition of their selflessness service and loyalty to the nation must be a catalyst to spur them to achieving more successes while charging them to remain dedicated, disciplined and committed to the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

In his words: “The NADCEL 2019 affords the NA family the cherished opportunity to display our rich history, values and modest achievements. Similarly, it is aimed at protecting the NA as a key instrument of national power, unity, integration and development.

“This year’s celebration is being held jointly with the Combat Support Arms Training week (COSAT) which is a platform that provides the combat support arms of Nigerian Army to re appraise their performance in their task of providing efficient combat support for Nigerian Army operations.” He added.

The Army chief observed that this year’s celebration is yet another opportunity to celebrate and honour some deserving personnel both living and those that have paid the supreme price.

“We remember their sacrifices and also pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased. Our hearts are with their families now and always. May the Almighty God grant them eternal rest, amen. Let me use this opportunity to reiterate our determination to achieve more successes in our fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the land.

“Our efforts must not be relaxed until our mission of complete defeat of the insurgents and other criminals in the country is attained.

While expressing gratitude President Muhammadu Buhari and also members of the national assembly for their continuous support in all ramifications to the Nigerian Army, Gen Buratai reassured the President and Nigerians at large that the Army will continue to live up to their expectation, regardless of the various forms of insecurity and other challenges bedevilling our great country.

“I want to reiterate my untiring commitment at ensuring that the Nigerian Army becomes a professionally responsive army and the pride of Nigeria and Africa at large.”

He promised that more efforts will be made to ensure that a very conducive working environment is created to bring out the best in every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army as the welfare of all remains a priority.

The event featured homilies, renditions and thanksgiving by troops and their families.