Army, Yobe Govt Commend Troops’ Gallantry at Christmas Luncheon

By Baba Dan’Iya

The Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (NE) Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. MCE Ejike, has commended the gallantry and dedication of troops in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

Ejike gave the commendation at the Sector 2 Christmas Luncheon with troops in Buni on Tuesday.

He said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Christmas lunch was an avenue for officers and men in the front line to come together for merriment and enhance comradeship.

“This kind of laudable gesture which emanated from the sterling leadership qualities of the COAS is also aimed at motivating the troops as well as enhancing comradeship among personnel,” he said.

Ejike reiterated that the pivot of their operations was firmly hinged on the COAS Command Philosophy, which is “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

Also speaking, the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, commended the Nigerian Army for its tremendous successes in the ongoing war on insurgency.

Buni noted that the security situation in the state had tremendously improved, and Yobe State was now one of the most peaceful states in the North East.

He said the state government had provided support to the Nigerian Army in the form of medical services, vehicles, and equipment maintenance.

Buni, however, urged the military to intensify surveillance and clearance operations in border areas to check possible surprises by the insurgents.

He also stressed the need to counter emerging security challenges such as kidnapping and criminal extortion.

The governor assured the military of the state government’s continued support in the ongoing counter-insurgency effort.

In his remarks, Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Abubakar commended COAS’s initiative and philosophy towards boosting the morale of Nigerian army, especially those in the frontline.