Eid-el-Fitr: Nigerian Troops and Keeping Vigilance During Festivity, by Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Eid-el-Fitr: Nigerian Troops and Keeping Vigilance During Festivity

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

The adage “All work without play makes Jack a dull boy” has been repeated countless times. This may be the reason the federal government frequently announces days off from work for employees, so that they can unwind and observe important national holidays and religious celebrations.

Nigeria’s brave soldiers, who are defending the nation against non-state actors, hardly have time to enjoy public holidays such as religious festivals or other national celebrations, in contrast to millions of other Nigerians.

Because these gallant troops are always at the frontline to defend the country against any threats from internal and external non-state actors in order to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity,.

This year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration holds a special significance as we witness the unwavering efforts of our Nigerian military troops bearing fruit in the fight against banditry and criminal activity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these brave men and women who selflessly stand guard, protecting our communities from those who seek to disrupt our peace. Their relentless “onslaught” against criminal elements, as we celebrate Eid, offers a powerful message of hope for a brighter future.

Reports of neutralised bandits and recovered weapons showcase the military’s dedication to dismantling these criminal networks. Their commitment creates a more secure environment, allowing Nigerians to celebrate, work, and raise their families without fear.

For example, even in the middle of this Sallah celebration, it was reported how aerial bombardment conducted by the air component of Operation Hadrin Daji, OPHD, has led to the deaths of many terrorists in Zamfara State.

The airstrikes from the operations also led to the destruction of the hideouts of terrorist kingpins operating in Zurmi, Gusau, and Maradun local government areas of the state.

In Zurmi LG, where a terrorist kingpin, Abdullahi Nasanda’s camp, is located, the air component of Operation Hadrin Daji during an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission established the activities of terrorists and severally bombed the location. They also took out terrorists sighted during the operation.

In his goodwill messages passed down to the servicemen and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, felicitates with the Muslim faithfuls for completing this benevolent worship of Ramadan fasting.

“With heartfelt gratitude, I extend warm greetings to all Muslim officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen/airwomen, and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on yet another occasion of Eid-el-Fitr 2024, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

He urged the troops to remain resilient, disciplined, and dedicated to their fight against terrorists and other criminals currently causing chaos in the country.

He said, “I call upon our troops deployed across all theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in their service to our great nation. Your sacrifices and unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria are deeply appreciated.”

He equally urged the public for their continued support of the members of the AFN while at the same time restarting his commitment to improving the welfare services of the troops.

“I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to extend their love and support to our AFN and to remember in their prayers our fallen comrades. The Armed Forces of Nigeria belong to all Nigerians, and our collective determination to address the challenges of insecurity is crucial for our national development.

“As Chief of Defence Staff, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and well-being of our troops in all theatres of operation. Despite the economic challenges facing our nation, I acknowledge the support the AFN continues to receive under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.” Gen. Musa added.

Also in his part, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to prioritise the welfare of troops by maintaining the sanction and reward system that characterises the sound administration pillar of his leadership philosophical command, i.e., “Transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving the constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

The COAS disclosed this Wednesday, April 10, during the Eid-el-Fitri Sallah celebration with the frontline troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the north-east region, Theatre Command JTF North East Operation Hadin Kai, OPHDK, and 7 Division NA Joint Sallah luncheon held at the Maimalari Cantonment Sports Centre, Maiduguri.

He said the Nigerian armed forces are aware of the continued contributions of the frontline troops towards ensuring the total defeat of adversarial elements troubling the nation.

Represented by the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, North-east JTF, Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu, COAS stated that “your commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, illegal mining, and other forms of criminality challenging our existence as a nation have not gone unnoticed by the government and the people of Nigeria.”

Gen. Lagbaja further urged the troops to continue to cooperate with other security agencies in implementing the strategic policies of the government through successful operational activities and effective tactical operations to achieve the mandate of the Nigerian military.

In his remarks, the Acting General Commanding Officer (GOC) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, urged Nigerians to continue praying for frontline troops as they celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-Ftir Sallah.

“We need prayers in our fight against insurgency. I, therefore, urge you to pray for our gallant troops who sacrifice their comfort to provide peace and security for the nation.”

No doubt, it is good to note that, as we break our fast and offer prayers on this Eid occasion, let us also remember the sacrifices made by our troops. Their courage and perseverance pave the way for lasting peace, a cornerstone for the nation’s prosperity.

May this Eid be a beacon of light, signifying not just the end of Ramadan but also the beginning of an era free from violence and fear. We commend our military heroes and heroines, and together, we move forward with a renewed sense of optimism, united in the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, an NDA research student, is the author of “National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective.” Email: [email protected]