President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Saturday says Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on highways, markets and in their homes.
The President said the Nigerian Army, remains the backbone of the nation security architecture that would ensure the safety and security of the citizens.
He stated this, Saturday at the grand finale of the 2024 annual Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), themed: “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment,” marking its 161 years of existence, held at 3 div Rukuba barracks, Bassa LGA of Plateau state.
Represented by the Minister of defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, President Tinubu, said he is proud of the Nigerian Army’s dexterity.
“…I am convinced that the Nigerian Army 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,” the President said.
He said the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development and continued existence of Nigeria.
“On the balance however, the Nigerian Army remains one of the most patriotic and selfless elements of our nation. It embodies people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought and died so that the nation would live in peace,” he said.
He added that his administration is committed to building a well equipped, and truly professional army that wil remain the pride of the nation, and is committed to providing them with all that they need to enable them fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General, Taofik Lagbaja, said they remains committed to their mission statement, which is ‘To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interests and Accomplish other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority.’
“The fulfillment of this responsibility sometimes demands that we make the ultimate sacrifice. To this end, we are continuously engaged in preparing ourselves for this onerous duty by honing our skills and competencies for this task. 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,” he said.