General Ladbaja pledges to overcome security challenges protect lives, property in nation
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri.
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Taoreed Ladbaja; has said that the achievements of the Army; are to be consolidated in overcoming the complex security challenges confronting the nation to protect lives and property.
According to him, the remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are decimated to restore peace in the six geo-political zones of the country.
Ladbaja made the pledges, over the weekend (Friday), in Damaturu, Yobe state, while felicitating with troops at the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Luncheon with troops in the frontlines of Sambisa Forest.
Read Also: Dutch King Makes Historic Apology For Slavery
Represented by Maj-Gen. Mayerenso Saraso, Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Damaturu, the General, disclosed that; “Today’s event was to felicitate with officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army.”
He added that the felicitation included their families at the occasion of 2023 Sallah celebration in the state.
Ladbaja, therefore, enjoined the troops to redouble their efforts and give their very best in making the Army’s goal a reality to secure people’s lives and property.
His words: I congratulate officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for witnessing Year 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.
“I urge you all to continue to exhibit these values that are of central importance to achieving our constitutional mandate.
“Having been recently appointed as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, I believe that my appointment is a calling to engender change and make a difference in our shared vision towards the fulfilment of our constitutional responsibilities.
Continued; “I express my sincere gratitude to God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us in the discharge of our duties to our dear nation.”
According to him; Sallahrepresents the virtues of sacrifice and submission to the will of God as exhibited by Prophet Abraham and emulated by Prophet Muhammad (May the Peace and Blessings of God be upon them).
Besides, he added the celebration reminds us of the sacrifices, sometimes supreme that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army make daily to ensure that our territorial integrity is preserved at all times.
The General maintained that the Sallah also embodies selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity, and respect for others.
On his Command Philosophy, he said: “Your loyalty and professionalism are the core values of the Nigerian Army.
“My Command Philosophy is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
“I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of our gallant troops deployed in operations within and outside the shores of this country.
“In the course of my career, I have witnessed in different capacities, your efforts and sacrifices.
“Therefore, I have no doubt about the zeal and commitment of our troops towards ensuring the success of the Nigerian Army along with sister Services and other security agencies in combating the complex, multifaceted and unpredictable security threats bedeviling our country.
“The ability to envision, anticipate and maintain flexibility in the face of diverse, contemporary and undefined threats must be sustained by you all to achieve our goals and missions as an Army.”
Ladbaja, therefore, resolved to provide the needed leadership and drive to achieve more successes to restore peace across the country.
On troops’ welfare, he declared that; “I pledged to make your welfare my utmost priority.
“I will ensure all avenues of improving the capabilities of troops in discharging their responsibilities are harnessed.”
He, therefore, urged them to remain resolute, loyal and continue to exhibit the core values of the Nigerian Army.
“To our fallen heroes, may God grant them eternal repose and give their families solace,” he prayed.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him, officers and soldiers in the various theatres of commands in the country.
Ladbaja, also reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the loyalties of troops in the various frontlines of operations, are to defend the Constitution of the nation.
He, therefore, urged all the personnel of the Nigerian Army to continue to pray for continuous recorded successes.
