COAS to Troops: Don’t rest until you end insurgency, rebellion

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major-General Faruk Yahaya  has asked officers of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute in the fight against  all forms of insecurity in the country. 

The COAS spoke Sunday at the interdenominational church service as part of activities to commemorate the 2021 Nigerian Army Day (NADCEL) at Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja.

The service was to celebrate the 158 anniversary (1863–2021) of the Nigerian Army and its service to the nation and humanity.

He said NADCEL was a celebration of commitment, doggedness, sacrifice and unity of purpose in ensuring the defence and security of the nation.

While noting that the army had recorded some successes, Yahaya urged troops not to rest on their oars until insurgency and other criminal activities were completely curtailed.

“I urge us all not to rest on oars but to continue until we completely defeat and destroy this insurgency and other criminal elements’ activities in our country and render it a more secure and peaceful nation.

“I also urge us all, anywhere we are, to remain resolute and determined and with our determination, commitment and prayers, we will get there.

“We have made some successes; we should not rest on our oars, but continue in that regard,” he said.

The army chief said the military believes in the efficacy of prayer and it is a usual practice to have prayers at both mosques and churches as part of activities lined up for NADCEL.

He also commended the spouses of the officers on the field for their efforts in holding on the home-front, while the troops work to keep the nation safe and secure.

Enugu

In a similar message in Enugu, the COAS lauded troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for quelling insurrection and arson within the South-east region. Speaking at the combined special church service at St. Martin’s Military Catholic Church, Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu, Major-General Yahaya saluted the courage, patriotism, loyalty and commitment of Nigerian Army troops in defense of the nation.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the COAS said:  “I must congratulate the troops for the exploits and achievements so far in the country especially in quelling insurrection, arson and other forms of criminality in the South-East.”

He said the Nigerian Army troops had continued to pay sacrifices and at times ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives for the peace, security and oneness of the country.

The COAS also condoled with families and friends of fallen heroes, particularly the immediate families they left behind.

“We must do all to take care of them and show them a sense of belonging. We must learn to spear little bread, money and kind words for the families of our fallen heroes.

“The government is trying but most times it is not enough. We must support them,” he said.

The COAS also urged officers and soldiers to ensure they protect themselves against COVID-19, adding that all non-pharmaceutical measures of protection must be strictly observed.

“Please, you do well by wearing your face masks, washing your hands regularly with soap in running water and observing social and physical distancing as well,”  he said.

In a sermon, Deputy Director Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) Colonel Cosmas Nwankpa, said the celebration called for stock-taking, sober reflection, introspection and prayers for the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

Nwankpa, who is a Reverend Father, also urged troops to remain focused, loyal and do all to ensure peace, security and calm return to all parts of the country.

“I want officers and soldiers to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and operate within the ambit of the rules of engagement to win the trust of the civilian populace,” he said.

The service featured special prayers for peace in the nation and protection of her leaders as well as for the success of the Nigerian Army, for retired and discharged colleagues and for the wounded, widows and orphans of the army.

The church service featured a special thanksgiving offering led by the GOC 82 Division, special song renditions, displays and group photograph. (NAN)

 Call for Kanu to access medics

In a related development, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation-Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide- Sunday called on federal government to grant leader of the supposed proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu access to medical attention.

The demand is coming two days after Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, alleged on the social media that his client was abducted and subjected to inhuman treatment in Kenya before handing him over to the government of Nigeria.

The attorney said Kanu has heart-related issue and needed urgent medical attention.

To this, the Igbo group in a statement signed by its secretary general and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, advised federal government to allow Kanu access to medical attention of his choice and save the country from a bigger problem.

It said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide had alerted President Muhammadu Buhari of the consequences of denying the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, access to health facilities and services through the doctor of his choice as one is presumed innocent until proven guilty of any Court.

“There are complaints about him (Nnamdi Kanu) of being denied access to medical care and attention, and such might attract empathy from the International community and might spur chaos as his adherents are threatening to storm Abuja when the trials of Nnamdi Kanu resume on July 26th, 2021, which might portend danger at nation’s capital.

“We commended FG through DSS for granting him access to his lawyer, such gestures should be extended to family members, especially his younger brothers and sisters should be allowed to visit him, and his fundamental human rights should be respected before his trials resume to assure the public nothing happens to him while in incarceration.

The group encouraged agitating youths to surrender. Ndigbo had remained calm and peaceful over the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu.”

“We extol Igbo youths that obeyed our earlier instructions to shun any form of protests and procession but urge those that were misled and regretted going into armed struggle to surrender immediately and be free.

“We are ready to help any Igbo youth in the wrong niche of agitation to surrender wilfully and be apologetic to beg South-east Governors, it will motivate Ohanaeze Ndigbo to implore FG and South-east Governors to grant “repentant agitators” amnesty and state clemency, this is the finest hour for those remorseful IPOB members to surrender,” the statement further added.

About Benjamin Samson, Abuja and Amarachukwu EgwuAgha, Abakaliki

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