CDS, COAS Salute Troops At Sallah, Pledge Loyalty To President Tinubu

The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, felicitates with gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and their families on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

According to a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Ismaila Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information on Wednesday, 28 June 2023, the CDS appreciated the selfless sacrifice, commitment, doggedness and determination towards dislodging existential threats to the unity,  security, stability and peace of the country.

“The symbolic values and virtues of unflinching faith and total sacrifice which the Eid-el-Kabir festival exemplifies also hold true for the supreme sacrifices which our defiant and courageous soldiers continue to make in the face of challenges to the peace, unity and sovereignty of the nation,”he said.

The CDS hereby assured of his unflinching support   to officers and men of the Armed Forces as they continue to discharge their constitutional duties across the nation.

General Musa thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the military and commitment towards repositioning  the economy and reforms in the security sector.

The CDS pledged unalloyed loyalty of the Armed Forces to  the  administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Chief of Defence Staff also used the medium to felicitate all Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, and appreciate the support of all Nigerians to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and urge them to continue to show more faith in the zeal and ability of our troops to effectively combat  threats to the security and stability of our dear nation.

“Your trust and confidence in our Armed Forces as collective partners and stakeholders in securing our nation cannot be overemphasized.

“The security and stability of our nation is the sacred and collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

“Once again, I wish you memorable Happy Sallah celebrations.

“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Elsewhere, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has expressed appreciation to troops of the Nigerian Army (NA)  for their commitment and sacrifice towards  combating emerging security challenges in  theatres of operations across the country, as part of his Goodwill message to troops and their families to mark Eid -El-Kabir 2023.

Expressing gratitude to the Almighty God for his protection and guidance, the  Army Chief pointed out that the Eid-el-Kabir festival represents the virtues of sacrifice and submission to the will of the Almighty God, as exemplified by Prophet Abraham and emulated by Prophet Muhammed.

According to a statement from Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations on Wednesday, 28 June 2023, quoted the Army top brass adding that the season brings to remembrance the supreme sacrifice officers and soldiers of the NA make on a daily basis to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation is preserved at all times.

He added that the celebration also embodies courage, selfless service, discipline, integrity, respect for others, and loyalty, which he described as the core values of the NA. Gen Lagbaja urged the troops to leverage the spirituality of the occasion to pray for the NA, as it strives to combat  security challenges in all theatres operations across the country.

General Lagbaja, who recently assumed office as the 23rd COAS, noted that his appointment was a call to engender change and make a difference towards the fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of the NA, in line with his Command philosophy, ” To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

The COAS lauded the troops deployed in ongoing operations within and outside the shores of the country for their sacrifice.  “In the course of my career, I witnessed in different capacities, your efforts and sacrifices, therefore, I have no doubt about the zeal and commitment of our troops in ensuring the success of the NA in combating the complex, multifaceted, and unpredictable security threats bedeviling our country, alongside our sister services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies”.He stated emphatically.

 

Gen Lagbaja assured that he will provide the needed leadership and consolidate on prior achievements of the NA in ensuring that the current security distractions confronting the nation are decimated. He urged the troops to remain resolute, undaunted,  disciplined and patriotic in combating the adversaries of the country.

 

The COAS expressed gratitude to the  Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the NA, reaffirming the unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the constitution and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.