Sallah: COAS celebrates with sick, wounded soldiers in Kaduna
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has celebrated the Eid-el-fitr with soldiers wounded in action and now receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
The Army chief also reaffirmed his commitment to securing Nigeria.
The COAS made the commitment during the Sallah Luncheon with Sick and Wounded in Action Personnel and Troops Deployed on Operations in 1 Division Area of Responsibility on Sunday in Kaduna.
Oluyede, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, he also praised their sacrifices and assured them that they have not been forgotten.
He explained that most of the soldiers were injured during operations in the northeast and northwest, including Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma.
The Army chief took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to securing Nigeria, highlighting successes in clearing the corridor from Kano to Abuja.
“We are making significant gains in our operations, and we will continue to push on until our country is secured,” he said.
In spite acknowledging setbacks, Oluyede said the Army remains optimistic about its progress, attributing its successes to the doggedness, alertness and resilience of the troops.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 Division Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, said the security situation in the division’s Area Of Responsibility (AOR) has remained volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.
Saraso however said the division has ensured stability in the AOR, which is exemplified by the relative security being enjoyed along the strategic Kaduna – Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja – Kaduna road/rail corridor.
He added that several kidnap victims have been rescued and released from captivity unconditionally while many bandits have also laid down their arms due to division’s proactive kinetic and non-kinetic engagements.
“These modest successes have been made possible through the collective dedication and sacrifices of our gallant troops in the field,” he said.
In line with the command philosophy of the COAS, the GOC said in 1 Division and the Nigerian Army as a whole must ensure that troops are continuously motivated to accomplish all statutory or assigned tasks.
He, therefore, said the lunch is a token of appreciation for their hard work and sacrifices.
Saraso added that, it is aimed at reinvigorating the division’s commitments to securing its AOR and to ensure that no safe haven exist for terrorist or insurgent activities within 1 Division AOR.
He thanked the COAS who made the gathering possible by providing the needed resources to organide the event in the face of many competing demands in the Nigerian Army.
Also the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Brig-Gen. Godwin Ogoh appreciate the COAS for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our soldiers.
He said “The luncheon is not just a gesture of leadership but a powerful message of solidarity,care and deep respect for those who have sacrificed in service to our great nation.
Ogoh said the occasion has lifted our spirits and reinforced our faith in values of courage , sacrifice and unity in the discharge of our duties.
“To our brave soldiers who have borne the scars of battle with courage and dignity , your resilience is an inspiration to us all , “Ogoh said.
