Service Chiefs and Sallah Feast for Troops: A Post-Mortem
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
It has been said several times without number, that, ‘all work without play, makes jack a dull boy’. This may be why the federal government often declare work-free days for public servants, to allow them relax and celebrate religious festivals and other significant national events.
There is the small and big sallahs for the Muslims, while Christmas on the other hand is for Christians.
Unlike millions of othef Nigerians, Nigeria’s gallant troops, who are fighting to protect the country against the activities of non-state actors, hardly get time to celebrate religious festivals or other national events, during public holidays.
However, in a show of solidarity and commendation for their hardworking and gallantry, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and his counterpart, Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, had on Monday, May 02 2022 feted troops of the North East (NE), Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri.
This is part of the efforts aimed at boosting their morale in the critical stage of the ongoing counter terrorism and insurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
At the event, the duo of the Service Chiefs, did not hesitate to express their satisfaction with the performance of the troops and therefter reaffirmed their commitment to the staff welfare during Sallah and beyond.
They equally noted and maintained that adequate troops’ welfare remains topmost in their priorities, as such is necessary for effective service delivery.
While delivering his remarks, the COAS, who had earlier paid a visit to troops wounded in action at the 7 Division Military Hospital, stated that “he is ever determined to ensure the medical treatment of personnel and their families, both within and outside the country.”
He added, that those wounded in action will continue to get support and special vocational training to help them cope with their new health status and overcome psychological trauma among other host of issues.
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Additionally, in his goodwill message, Air Chief Amao felicitated with the troops and called for interagency collaboration among all security institutions with the military in defence of Nigeria’s national security.
Thus, he equally hinted on the acquisition of more combat platforms for the Nigerian Airforce to shore up troops’ air combat efficiency in countering terrorists activities.
Also, Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur had earlier in a goodwill message from the Borno state government, expressed appreciation to the military for the restoration of relative peace in Borno state, adding that the successes so far recorded, clearly demonstrate the capability of the military in bringing the war to an end.
Meanwhile, in another development, COAS Yahaya had also charged troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) to ensure the discharge of their constitutional responsibility in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The call was made on Tuesday, May 03, 2022 as part of Sallah celebration with Troops by the COAS, in Damaturu, the Yobe State Capital.
Represented by the Commander, Sector 2 JTF NE OPHK, Maj Gen Koko Isoni, the COAS enjoined the troops to neutralize all terrorists in the North East theatre of operations and capture all their weapons as well as ammunition inclusive.
He noted that Eid-el-Fitr holds a special place in individuals and collectively as an Army. According to him, the celebration reminds troops of the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice as well as providing a unique opportunity for troops to reflect and readjust efforts towards justifying the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians.
The colorful event was graced by heads of sister security agencies, traditional rulers, International Non-Governmental Organizations and members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists among other dignitaries.
The unrelenting efforts of the Nigerian military deserve a worthy mention, and sheer plaudits. Therefore, nothing can be too little to be showered on persons who put their lives on the line to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity. Nothing! At all!
Meanwhile, as the Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA, remains relentless in its commitment towards coordinating the military operations, residents on the other hand should not hesitate to help security forces in areas of information gathering and intelligence sharing aimed at exposing criminals’ cells with a view of suppressing their heinous acts.
Mukhtar is a Staff Writer with the Emergency Digest.
