The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to effectively address all security threats facing the nation.

Oluyede made the pledge at the 2024 Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) in Abuja on Saturday.

He stated that the Nigerian army recognised the huge expectations of Nigerians and the importance of peace and security for meaningful development in any society.

The COAS expressed his appreciation to all officers and soldiers for their dedication to making Nigeria safe.

He also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of all security and intelligence agencies in the execution of the army’s operations across the country.

“I assure you that the Nigerian Army will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance our collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges,” he said.

Oluyede also expressed his unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of officers, soldiers, and their families.

“To my officers, soldiers, and their families, I want to express my unwavering commitment to your welfare and well-being.

“I have the privilege of visiting and conducting these challenges without any perturbation, and I have started addressing them within available resources,” he said.

According to him, the army has started addressing the challenges within available resources, and are happy with the Federal Government’s initiatives.

The initiatives include affordable home ownership options for all soldiers and the Staff National Empowerment Scheme.

Oluyede said he was committed to providing the necessary support to enhance the combat readiness of the army, ensuring they achieve the highest standards of professionalism.

He said the army had worked tirelessly to address all forms of threats to national security, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, economic sabotage, and organised kidnapping.

Oluyede thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian army.

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, described WASA as an enduring tradition of the Nigerian army.

According to him, it is where officers, soldiers, and their families come together to socialise and mark the end of year activities.

“WASA plays a vital role of eliciting nostalgia amongst the older generation of the barracks community by reminding them of the memorable traditions of typical Nigerian villages.

“At the same time, it connects the younger generation who were probably born outside their traditional communities to their roots.”

“Also, WASA serves as a veritable tool for the sun has set on the activities of the year being celebrated while encouraging them to approach the activities lined up for the new year with renewed zeal, vigour and commitment,” he said.

The commander said the garrison had a  successful 2024, adding that the command would continue to provide operational, administrative and logistic support to Army Headquarters Department, formations and units.

He assured that troops of the command were poised towards approaching their duties with renewed vigour and commitment in terms of professionalism and responsiveness in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

Report says that the activities featured cultural display by various ethnic groups, display of traditional cuisines and tug of war competitions.

The 053 NAF Camp Team won the Tug of War, Mega Suya competition was won by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, while the Office of the Chief of Army Staff won the Nigerian Traditional Cuisine. (NAN)