The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has lauded the resilience and achievements of troops from the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration. Speaking at the front lines in Maiduguri, General Lagbaja commended the troops for their significant progress in combating terrorism and insurgency in the North East Theatre, urging them to maintain their momentum.
Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, quoted the CoAS, “This year has seen unquantifiable sacrifices in blood and treasure. We have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.” General Lagbaja highlighted the troops’ dedication and bravery, acknowledging the physical and emotional scars they bear from battle.
The CoAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which have been crucial in the Army’s operations. He also thanked the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their collective efforts against the nation’s adversaries.
Before the luncheon, General Lagbaja inaugurated several projects in Maimalari Cantonment, including the newly constructed Headquarters 47 Engineers Brigade Office complex and Major General YM Abubakar Drive, alongside a rehabilitated connecting road.
In his address, Major General Waidi Shaibu, Theatre Commander of JTF NE OPHK, praised the CoAS for his productive year since assuming command on June 23, 2023. He emphasized that the CoAS’s presence was not only to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir but also to witness the gains from recent offensive operations. He listed several repaired vehicles and equipment recovered from insurgents, showcasing the effectiveness of the theatre’s operations and the bravery of the troops.
“The rescued hostages, surrendered women and children, neutralized JAS/ISWAP fighters, and recovered equipment symbolize the significant sacrifices of our gallant troops,” declared General Shaibu.
The event featured a display of arms and equipment recovered from terrorists, and the CoAS personally served food to officers and soldiers wounded in action, currently receiving medical care at the Headquarters 7 Division Military Hospital and Services.
The luncheon was attended by senior officers from Army Headquarters, the Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force, and other key military personnel.
