General Yahaya, Air marshal Amao celebrate Christmas with troops fighting Boko Haram in Northeast
By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Faruk Yahaya and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), AIF Marshal Isiaka Amao have celebrated the 2022 Christmas with the troops of the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to boost their morals.
Speaking at the combined Christmas luncheon, held at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Farouk Yahaya, commended officers and men of the Nigeria Army for sustaining the tempo of operation to completely rid terrorism in Borno and the Northeast.
The Christmas feast which have in attendance troops, Journalist, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOS) and other security agencies, also feature awards abx recognition to the troops, media and NGOs and other institutions.
The COAS who celebrated the Christmas alongside Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao said ” I must commend our troops for doing a wonderful job, we have now reached a turning point, so what we just needed is a little push to completely defeat the terrorism in Nigeria,”
He urged the troop to redouble their efforts in order to completely rid of the remnant of terrorism in the North-east, stressing that part of the visit was meet soldiers that were wounded in action at various operation while fighting insurgency in the North-east..
“As we celebrate this years Christmas I wish to pay special tribute to our dear colleagues who have paid a supreme price in the defence of our fatherland”.
Let us use this opportunity to remember them and to pray for their souls and souls of all our gallant departed colleagues, our hearts are always with their families I pray that Almighty will grant them eternal rest, Amen.”General Yahaya said.
As the 2023 general election draws nearer , General Yahaya urged troops of the Operation Hadin Kai and the Nigerian Army in general to remain apolitical and discharge their assign duties according to the rules of engagement.
He said Nigeria has been faced with myriad of security challenges which have caused untold hardship to all citizens but reiterated that these challenges are surmountable and reiterated the Nigerian Amy commitment to bring to an end these challenges in all their assign duties and area of responsibilities.
He assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to remain royal to the constitutional authorities and committed to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal, Isiaka Amao said the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Arm Force has continued to implore effectiveness of tackling challenges of insecurity through professional conduct of its officers and men in the field.
He commended the synergy between the troops of the Nigerian Amy and the Nigerian Air Force, as well as police, NSCDC, Immigration, Customs ABC other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast.
He assured of the continued support of the Nigerian Air force in ensuring that the insurgents are completely wiped out in the Northeast and Nigeria in general.
In his remarks, Governor Babagana Zulum said that peace has returned to Borno State after many years of Boko haram activities within the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Umar Kadafur thanked and commended the Nigerian military personnel for their sacrifices and commitment to the war against the Boko Haram insurgency and restoration of peace in the Borno State.
In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai North-East, Major General Christopher Musa has pledged that the troops would continue to sustain the tempo and prayed to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes.
“I wish to convey my warmest greetings to the Chief Of Army Staff, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and their families in the North-East, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas and New Year 2023 celebrations”. he said.
Highlights of the event was honor and awards to troops that distinguished themselves in various fields of operation, INGOs, and media houses that have been in the Front line throughout the insurgency.
