The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated his commitment to securing Nigeria as he marked Eid-el-Fitr with injured soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Speaking at a Sallah Luncheon organized for troops wounded in action and personnel deployed in the 1 Division’s Area of Responsibility, Oluyede, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, assured soldiers that their sacrifices were recognized and appreciated.
“We are making significant gains in our operations and will continue until our country is fully secured,” Oluyede stated, emphasizing the military’s progress in clearing threats along the Kano-Abuja corridor.
The Army Chief acknowledged that many of the wounded troops sustained injuries during counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, including Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansanyamma in the northeast and northwest regions.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the military’s ability to restore peace, crediting recent successes to the dedication and resilience of Nigerian soldiers.
Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding of the 1 Division, described the security landscape within the division’s jurisdiction as volatile and complex. However, he highlighted improvements in key areas, including the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari and Abuja-Kaduna transport corridors.
“Several kidnap victims have been rescued and released unconditionally, while many bandits have surrendered due to proactive kinetic and non-kinetic measures,” Saraso noted.
He stressed that motivating troops was essential to sustaining the progress made in tackling security threats.
“This luncheon is a token of appreciation for their hard work and sacrifices. It reinforces our commitment to securing our Area of Responsibility and denying terrorists any safe haven,” he added.
Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, Acting Chief Medical Director of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, commended the COAS for his unwavering support of soldiers’ welfare.
“The luncheon is more than a leadership gesture; it is a message of solidarity, care, and deep respect for those who have sacrificed for our nation,” Ogoh remarked.
He emphasized the significance of the occasion in boosting morale and reaffirming the military’s dedication to its personnel.
“To our brave soldiers who bear the scars of battle with dignity, your resilience is an inspiration to us all,” he said.
