The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has praised troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for quelling insurrection and arson in the Southeast.
Yahaya said this in an address at a combined special church service in commemoration of the 2021 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) at St. Martin’s Military Catholic Church, Abakpa Military Cantonment in Enugu.
The service was to celebrate the 158th anniversary (1863 to 2021) of the Nigerian Army and its service to the nation and humanity.
Yahaya, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, saluted the courage, patriotism, loyalty and commitment of Nigerian Army troops in defence of the nation.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army troops had continued to pay sacrifices and, at times, the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives for the peace, security and oneness of the country.
Yahaya also condoled with families and friends of fallen heroes, particularly the immediate families they left behind.
“We must do all to take care of them and show them a sense of belonging.
“We must learn to spare little bread, money and kind words for the families of our fallen heroes.
“The government is trying but most times it is not enough. We must support them,” he said.
In a sermon, Deputy Director Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Col. Cosmas Nwankpa said the celebration called for stock-taking, sober reflection, introspection and prayers for the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
The church service featured a special thanksgiving offering, led by the GOC 82 Division, special song renditions, displays and group photograph.
Also, the Nigerian Army has said it will seek divine intervention in the current fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
The Acting Commander of TRADOC in Minna, the Niger State capital, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezeugwu, said this yesterday at an inter-denominational church service to mark NADCEL 2021 of the Nigerian Army.
“It is time to seek divine intervention for the success in all operations, in line with the motto of the Nigerian Army: ‘Vctory is From God Alone’.
“In the course of our operations during the period in review, some of our colleagues have paid the supreme price while contributing to the survival and security of our great nation.
“We remember their sacrifice and also pray for their souls to rest in perfect peace.”
Ezeugwu noted that worthy to remember during the year is the immediate past Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 11 others who died in a plane crash.
