Army chief to soldiers: Nigeria proud of your selfless service

Faruk Yahaya, chief of army staff, has commended soldiers in the north-east for their efforts in fighting insecurity.

Speaking at the 7 Division Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Yahaya said the army will continue to provide more support for the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The army chief said medical care for soldiers is of utmost importance to him, adding that he is proud of the efforts of the troops in restoring peace in the north-east and the country at large.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya, was at the Theatre Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on his maiden operational visit to the Theatre from 16-19 June to assess the operational and welfare state of the troops,” Ado Isa, deputy director public relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, said in a statement on Saturday.

“During his visit to the hospitals, he assured troops of adequate medicare and support in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

“The COAS also prayed for their speedy recovery. While at the hospital, the COAS took time to interact with the soldiers and assured them of proper medical care and welfare, adding that their medical care is of utmost importance to him.

“He averred that the nation is indeed proud of their selfless service and sacrifices towards restoring peace to the North East region.

“Similarly, the COAS visited the Mechanical Repair Group to inspect the ongoing repairs and refurbishment of vehicles at the workshop through the use of local resources.

“He commended the resilience and ingenuity of the engineers and technicians in fixing most of the vehicles that were hitherto classified as ‘beyond local repairs’.”

On his part, Christopher Musa, commander of the Joint Task Force North East operation Hadin Kai, said the troops are doing everything possible to bring the war against terrorism “to a decisive end”.