In a heartwarming display of solidarity and appreciation, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), celebrated Christmas with frontline troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on December 25, 2023, at Headquarters 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni-Gari, Yobe State.
The festive occasion, marked by a Christmas luncheon, was meticulously organized to share a moment of joy with the frontline troops, aimed at bolstering their morale and fostering a candid interaction in the theatre of operations. The event was conceptualized to provide an environment where officers and soldiers could come together beyond the trenches, fostering camaraderie while underscoring the need to sustain and build upon the successes achieved thus far.
In a poignant Christmas message delivered to the troops, CoAS Lieutenant General Lagbaja acknowledged the sacrifice of over fifty thousand colleagues who, due to their duty in remote and challenging locations across the nation and beyond, would be unable to personally convey their festive wishes to their families and loved ones. He emphasized the dedication of these troops and encouraged them to persist in their efforts.
Representing General Lagbaja, the Commander Armoured Corps, Major General MS Ahmed, expressed gratitude for the sacrifices, efforts, and commitment demonstrated by the troops in the ongoing fight against insurgency. He conveyed the Army Headquarters’ initiation of various welfare projects designed to directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families, concluding with warm wishes of Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Brigadier General D Abdulsalam (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor and representative of the Yobe State Governor, extended thanks and congratulations to all troops who successfully navigated through the challenges of the year 2023. He commended their sacrifices and efforts, recognizing their instrumental role in maintaining sanity and stability in the North East.
Major General GU Chibuisi, the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK, explained that the selection of Buni Gari for this year’s celebration was driven by the desire to ensure that troops beyond the Theatre Headquarters experienced the caring touch of the COAS during the festive season. He took the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate troops who sustained injuries in the line of duty, offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.
Further accolades were extended by Major General MLD Saraso, the Commander Sector 2 OPHK, who expressed gratitude for the COAS’s exemplary leadership and lauded the Theatre Commander for extending the celebration to Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The event, graced by the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN Kai, the Representative of the Yobe State Governor, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, the Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, and heads of security agencies in Yobe State, witnessed vibrant dance performances by cultural groups, a symbolic serving of troops by the COAS’s representative, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph, marking the high points of the festive gathering.
