From Jude Dangwam, Jos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Army for safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country and paying huge sacrifices in the interest of the nation in the last 261 years.

The President expressed commitment towards building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defense, Muhammed Badaru at the grand finale of the 2024 Nigeria Army Day celebration held at the parade ground of the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba Barracks near Jos the Plateau State capital.

“As your Commander-In-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.

We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you fulfil your constitutional responsibilities,” he stated.

President Tinubu disclosed that his approval for the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty is part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“To heighten your combat efficiency and dexterity, I also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment and combat enablers for you to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.”
He charged them to work towards meeting addressing emerging security threats in the country as an Institution which has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them. I see the eagerness and pride on the faces of the young men and women as they showed their commitment to defend the country.
“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world.
“Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on our highways, in our markets and in their homes. The Nigerian Army remains the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure this security.
“You must sustain the progress made so far, a far and evolve strategies to ensure that violent groups do not overwhelm peaceful and law abiding Nigerians.
“As you take direct action against violent groups, you must remember to conduct yourselves in a manner to reflect your professionalism, he equally cautioned them.
While commissioning the Nigerian Army Air, the President charged them to work closely with their sister agencies for maximum results at all time.
“I would ike to encourage you to continue to work closely with your sister services, other security agencies as well as your fellow countrymen and women.
“There is no doubt, you represent the pride of the nation; an institution with history; an institution that has never failed Nigeria. Your charge now is not only to protect your Country, but to do what is right and just at all times. As your Commander-In-Chief, I know you will,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun  Lagbaja stressed that the Nigerian Army has matured as a highly professional and potent force, and remain proud of it’s record for the past 161 years. 
“The Nigerian Army under my watch is committed to improving our operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.
“In the last year, and since the last NADCEL, the Nigerian Army has acquired 2 helicopters and numerous battle enablers. The Army has also expanded and deepened its training activities for operational effectiveness. 
“These measures have enabled us to successfully contain the activities of bandits in the North-West while the heinous crimes of Boko Haram Terrorists have been brought to an all-time low.
“The incidences of farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central has equally been curtailed, and we have gained the upper hand against the criminal groups in the South East, South West as well as the South South Zones,” he state.
The COAS reiterated that they are not oblivious to how badly Nigerians required and demand security of their lives and properties across the nation and will continue to remained focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to the nation and its people within the shortest practicable time.
“In this wise, we will continue to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects us as a committed and professional force,” he stated.