EID-El-Kabir: General Yahaya celebrates with wounded troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri

By Madu Mohammed Maiduguri

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General, Faruk Yahaya has commended the troops of Operation Hadin Kai Northeast and other operations across the country for their gallantry and sacrifices in enduring the country is safe and secured.

Lt General Faruk Yahaya made the commendation while speaking at the 2021 Eid El Kabir COAS Sallah luncheon with the wounded troops of Operation Hadin Kai yesterday at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri said *​I am delighted to felicitate with all officers, soldiers, civilian staff of the Nigerian Army and their families on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir 2021 Celebration. “

“.​No doubt the Nation is faced with myriads of security challenges. The Nigerian Army has so far lived up to expectations and will continue to remain focussed in tackling these challenges. I therefore wish to specifically recognise and appreciate the immense sacrifices of our troops in Operations HADIN KAI, HADARIN DAJI, THUNDER STRIKE, WHIRL STROKE and all other operations the Nigerian Army is engaged both in the Country and abroad. Let me use this opportunity to once again pay special tributes to our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of our Fatherland. May their gentle souls rest in peace, ameen.”, the COAS stated.

He said ” I wish to first of all, express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us while discharging our obligations to Nigeria. The Eid-El-Kabir Festival brings a special reminder for us as it highlights the virtues of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which are also the hallmark of professional soldiering. The Eid Festival therefore provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect and redouble our efforts towards fulfilling our constitutional roles of defeating our adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

He further said when he assumed office, he promised to promote merit, applaud gallantry, celebrate excellence and honour the heroes, adding that spirit that he conferred the COAS Commendation Award to some deserving officers and soldiers on Tuesday 6 July to 21 July during the NADCEL 2021.

While charging the troops to remain apolitical, the COAS said . I shall continue to appreciate and applaud competence, diligence and dedicated service. As I will reward excellence and achievements, I will not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts. In line with my vision to have “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”, it is my resolve to focus on the core values of the NA which include Loyalty, Courage, Integrity and Selfless Service. I will also see to our return to the cherished customs, ethics and traditions of the Nigerian Army. While not compromising our investment in the officer cadres, I am particularly concerned with the development of individual soldier as well as empowering the Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) so that they can play their roles effectively as a bridge between the officers and soldiers. “.

“.​It is important to reiterate at this point that the welfare of my officers, soldiers and their families will continue to receive adequate attention under my watch. Our hospital facilities and services are being improved upon and I am ever determined to ensure the healthcare of personnel and their families both within and outside the Country. Those wounded in action will be adequately treated and their requirements such as wheelchairs, prosthesis and other special vocational training will be provided. To our colleagues who have paid the supreme price, we shall continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of their families, through prompt payment of all their entitlements, including medical bills and school sponsorship of their children.”, He further stressed.

He also said ” I approved the issue of Hilux vehicles as official cars to RSMs beginning with AHQ and AHQ Garison RSMs; and this will cascade down the ladder to the battalion RSMs in due course. Similarly, I have authorised the construction of befitting tied down accommodation for RSMs and renovation of such existing structures to demonstrate my commitment in this endeavour. The overall aim is to develop the individual soldier, provide him with relevant skills, competences and good leadership by his NCOs and SNCOs who he will aspire to emulate. I appreciate and commend you all, our gallant officers and soldiers, as I also urge you all to keep up the good works, ensure synergy with other Services, security agencies and all stakeholders. I urge you all to remain apolitical, continue to discharge your duties professionally in the defence of the Fatherland and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Together, in unison we shall succeed.”

While expressing his sincere gratitude of the Nigerian Army to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous and untiring support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army, he pledge the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his remarks the Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian military for their sacrifices and role in ensuring peace return to the state and the Northeast and also donated the sum of N10 million to the sick and wounded troops of the Operation Hadin Kai.

” Let me use this opportunity to commend the troops of Operation Hadin Kai for your sacrifices. I also assured you that the Borno state will continue to partner with the military to secure our land”, Zulum added.

In ensuring the peace and stability of its citizenry, , Governor Zulum said ” the Borno state government will do everything to support the military in bringing to an end the Boko Haram insurgency…I assured you of the civilian populace support, cooperatiion and prayers, so that together we will end this madness”.

In his votes of thanks, the Deputy Theater Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Northeast , Major General Ibrahim Jalo said this years Eid-El-kabir is unique because it is the first Sallah the COAS is celebrating as the Army chief. . Your presence here to celebrate with us indicates the love and concern you have for the troops of this theater””.

He also on behalf of the COAS, thanked and appreciated the media for reporting the activities of the theater in last months that he has been in the theater.

President Buhari arrives Borno on one day state visit

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

President Muhammadu Buhari has landed, Maiduguri, Air force Base at exact 9:45 am this morning for one day working visit to the state to asses security situation in the Northeast and commission some projects

The President was received by the Borno state Governor ,Prof. Babagana Zulum along side his Yobe counterpart Governor and the ruling All progressive congress (APC) National chairman Hon. Mai Mala Buni, and Honourable members of the National and state Assemblies, members of the state Executive Council, as well as other officials of the Federal and state government.

The president was in Borno last in 12 February 2020 when he came to commemorate with the people and Government of Borno state over the Auno attack.

On arriving the Presiddent proceeded to Government Technical College Njimtilo and Borno state University, where he commissioned some projects.

Service chiefs arrived Maiduguri in preparation to President Buhar’ visit to Borno

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS),General Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Arny Staff ( COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya,, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal, Isiaka Anao Chief of Naval , (CNS), Auwal Gambo Staff, Rear Admiral and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba Alkali were in Maiduguri to discuss security situation in the Northeast. in preparation to the President Muhammadu Buhari visit to Borno

On arrrival of the service Chiefs they proceeded straight to the headquarters Joint Tasks force Operation Hadin Kai where they went into closed door meeting that lasted for over 2 hours.

The President during the visit is expected to address the troops of Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari Cantonment

Speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly after the close door meeting, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor said assured Nigerians that the military is determined to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

The reason why we are here to re-strategize and address the problems facing the troops

Chief of Defence Staff led Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police to headquarters Theatre Command ahead of President Buhari’s visit.

The CDS said their visit to the Theatre is to strategize and address the security problems facing the people of the Northeast and the entire country, adding that ,the greatest challenge before the military and other security agencies is how to restore peace in the entire region, and stressed the need for collaborative effort to end the crisis.

In welcome address, before the close door session,, the acting Theatre Commander Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai Major General Felix Omoigui said that the Theatre had recorded numerous success which led to economic activities to thrive in many liberated areas of the northeast.

The Chief of Defence Staff was accompanied on the visit by Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouq Yahaya, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Auwal Gambo, Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters.