The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya has said the Nigerian Army (NA) remains resolute, more than never before, in its resolve to restore peace and security in Nigeria.
He stated this on Sunday 4 July 2021, while addressing personnel of the Nigerian Army in a reception held shortly after the Interdenominational Church Service in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
The COAS reiterated that the NA have been working in synergy with other sister Services and security agencies to surmount the security challenges bedeviling the nation.
This he said, has translated into huge operational successes recorded thus far. While urging the personnel to remain steadfast in prayers, he charged all to be determined and resolute in defeating the enemies of the state.
He urged all personnel to remain resilient until the insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements are completely destroyed and defeated, in order to restore peace and security in the country.
The COAS also enjoined members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) to always remember the NA in their prayers. He appreciated the crucial role they are playing in keeping the home front.
Also speaking, the Chairman Central Organizing Committee, NADCEL 2021, Major General Anthony Omozoje reminded the congregation that the NADCEL is a day set aside to honour our fallen heroes for the supreme sacrifice they have made to keep Nigeria sovereign and united.
Earlier, in his sermon the Director Chaplain Services (Protestant), Colonel Mairiga called on the citizens to join hands and support the NA to achieve success. He noted that the success of the NA, is a success for all Nigerians. He urged all Christians to be united in prayers for the success of the NA and other security agencies for the restoration of peace in the country.
Meanwhile, Major General Faruk Yahaya has approved the appointment of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Field Commanders and other key staff that will provide the much needed vigour in his command of the Nigerian Army (NA).
This was disclosed through the NA Posting released by the Department of Military Secretary on Friday 2 July 2021.
The COAS approved the appointment of the Commandant Nigerian Army Armoured School, Maj Gen BO Sawyer as the new Director Defence Information while the Chief of Operations Army, Maj Gen IM Yusuf becomes the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy. Maj Gen TA Gagariga will move from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army Artillery Corps as Corps Commander Artillery and Maj Gen VO Ezugwu of Training and Doctrine Command becomes the Commander Infantry Corps. Maj Gen MA Yekini is the new Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Maj Gen MS Yusuf will take over as Chief of Defence Standard and Evaluation, while the Chief of Civil – Military Affairs, Maj Gen AB Omozoje will take over as the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Army Headquarters.
Equally, Maj Gen SO Olabanji becomes the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen OA Akintade is the new Chief of Army Logistics, Maj Gen OT Akinjobi takes over as Chief of Operations (Army), Maj Gen JA Ataguba becomes the Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation while Maj Gens KI Mukhtar and C Ofoche are the new Chief of Administration and Chief of Transformation and Innovation respectively. Maj Gen AB Ibrahim is appointed as Chief of Training (Army).
Among the new field commanders are Maj Gen AK Ibrahim who takes over as the Force Commander Multi National Joint Task Force, N’Djamena and Maj Gen IS Ali who becomes the General Officer Commanding 3 Division will double as the Commander Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven.
The COAS equally approved the appointment of Commanders, Commandants of NA Institutions, Directors and other key appointments at both Defence and Army levels.
The appointments he said were aimed to rejig for efficiency in command and administration within the NA. These appointments take effect immediately.
