Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), urged the troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) to supplement their military efforts with prayers for the success of the NA in its operational engagements. This call was made by the Army Chief during the Interdenominational Church Service held on Sunday at the Mogadishu Military Cantonment in Abuja, as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023.
It is worth recalling that the NA commenced the commemoration of its 160th year of existence since 1867 when 18 men, known as the Glover Hausas of the Royal Navy, were organized into a formidable force that it has become today. General Lagbaja emphasized that the NA remains a source of pride for the nation and a force to be recognized both in Africa and globally.
He acknowledged that the Interdenominational Church Service is one of the planned activities for all NA formations and units to celebrate the establishment of the NA as a representation of national unity and integration.
“It also provides the opportunity for prayers and supplications to be made to God Almighty on behalf of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation in general”.
“As we mark our 160th year, I must confess that our journey has not been a bed of roses, as the Nigerian Army, in the course of holding our nation together, has fought a civil war, participated in peacekeeping cum peace enforcement missions and is currently involved in combating terrorism, insurgency and other criminalities across the country”, the Army Chief averred”, he said.
General Lagbaja emphasized once again that the Nigerian Army (NA) has experienced the unfortunate loss of loved ones and providers due to its engagements both within and beyond the borders of Nigeria.
“We have bled, we have piled up the wounded in action, and the population of our widows and widowers as well as orphans has swelled. Our sacrifices are for the love of God, humanity and country,” he stated.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) urged all personnel to maintain their loyalty, discipline, patriotism, and unwavering commitment as they confront security challenges in different operational areas, in order to reciprocate the government’s support. He assured that he would prioritize the welfare and well-being of the troops under his command and provide even greater dedication to their needs.
