In a heartfelt Sallah Luncheon held on June 17, 2024, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for their relentless efforts and significant gains against insurgents in the North East Theatre.
The event, coinciding with the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, took place on the front lines, underscoring the COAS’s dedication to supporting his forces in the field.
During his address, General Lagbaja acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by the troops over the past year, noting the loss of gallant warriors and valuable equipment in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He praised the troops for their courage and resilience, highlighting the physical and emotional scars many bear as testaments to their unwavering commitment to the mission.
The COAS extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which has been instrumental in the success of current operations.
He also thanked the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their collaborative efforts in combating the nation’s adversaries.
Before the luncheon, General Lagbaja commissioned several new projects at Maimalari Cantonment.
These included the newly constructed Headquarters 47 Engineers Brigade Office complex and a newly constructed road named Major General YM Abubakar Drive, along with another rehabilitated connecting road.
These infrastructural developments are expected to enhance operational efficiency and morale among the troops.
Major General Waidi Shaibu, Theatre Commander of JTF NE OPHK, lauded the COAS for his impactful leadership over the past year.
He emphasized that the COAS’s presence was not only to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir but also to acknowledge the troops’ successes in their offensive operations since January.
General Shaibu detailed the recovery of various vehicles and equipment, including armored personnel carriers and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, all repaired by the Theatre Main Repair Group, showcasing the effectiveness and resourcefulness of the troops.
The event also featured a display of recovered arms and equipment from insurgents, symbolizing the significant victories achieved by the troops.
General Lagbaja personally served food to officers and soldiers, including those wounded in action and receiving treatment at the Headquarters 7 Division Military Hospital and Services.
The luncheon was attended by senior military officials, including Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, the Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force, the Theatre Commander OPHK, and other high-ranking officers and troops of OPHK, highlighting the unity and collective resolve within the Nigerian Army.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, noted that the event was a testament to the dedication and bravery of the Nigerian Army in their ongoing fight to secure peace and stability in the region.
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