The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has vowed to bring to justice terrorists behind attack on troops location in Shororo, Niger State.
Yahaya gave the assurance while addressing journalists at Mogadishu Cantonment Juma’at Mosque prayer in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration NADCEL 2022 on Friday in Abuja.
He said the terrorists, on Wednesday, ambushed troops in Shiroro while responding to distress call of attacks on a mining site with unspecified number of casualties.
The COAS said even though the Nigerian army had faced challenges, it is determined to address them towards a peaceful and secured Nigeria.
He said the celebration of 159 years of existence of the Nigerian army is a time to reflect on its performance.
He added that the army would use the occasion to look back with pride to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of its officers and soldiers over the years as a key instrument of national unity and security of the country.
“159 years of this, is not a small period.
“Over the years, we have proven ourselves both in Nigeria and abroad with our competence and skills, commitment and dedication with which we do our jobs.
“It is time to appreciate our troops including those who have paid the supreme price in their service to ensure Nigeria is secured and remains united.
“We will continue to appreciate the support of the president and all those we have supported us.
“We have had our challenges, recently in Niger, we had one but we are addressing them. We are not deterred by any challenge from all those criminals.
“As we speak, we are on their trail and we will and I say we will get those criminals in Niger and other areas throughout the country,” he said.
The Acting Deputy Director, Islamic Affairs, Army Headquarters Garrison, Lt.-Col. Musa Abbas, who officiated the Juma’at, urged Nigerians to learn to tolerate one another religiously, socially and otherwise, towards achieving their full potentials.
Abbas added that Nigerians must be truthful to one another and strive to live in peace with one another.
He said the special Juma’at service was anchored on the promotion of national unity through religious tolerance peaceful coexistence.
“There is no way for us as a nation to reach the greatest height we wish for without tolerating one another; we have to tolerate one another religiously, socially.
“We have to tolerate one another in all ramifications and we can’t achieve that if we are not sincere with one another, truthful to one another, we must strive and live peaceful with one another,” he added.
The Jumma’at prayer was part of activities lined up to mark the NADCEL 2022 slated to take place in Owerri, Imo State, from July 1 to July 6.
There will also be an interdenominational Church service across army formations nationwide on Sunday, as well as humanitarian activities in all operational areas nationwide.
– NAN