Eid-el-Kabir: Army Chief Felicitates With Staff, Commends Gallant Troops

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has sent a message felicitating with army staff and their families on Monday.

He also commended the sacrifices of gallant troops of operations Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Thunder Strike, Whirl Stroke, and other operations within and outside the country.

This was disclosed in a statement on the Official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army as signed by the Army Chief.

While noting the importance of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, he said, "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."

The Army Chief also reiterated his commitment to rewarding excellence and achievements.

Adding that, he stated that he "will not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts."

He further added: "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."

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his support while reiterating his loyalty as well as officers of the Nigerian Army to the president.

The statement reads,  "I wish to express our sincere gratitude 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.

"I want to once again 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."