*Reaffirm commitment to troops’ welfare
By Ezechukwu Chidozie
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and his counterpart, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Amao on Monday, hosted a luncheon for troops of the North-East, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Maiduguri.
The effort, according to Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, was to boost their morale in the critical stage of the on-going counter terrorism and insurgency operations.
Accordung to the Director in a statement, the Service Chiefs, who were visibly impressed with the performance of the troops, reaffirmed their commitment to their welfare during a Sallah luncheon organized in honour of the troops by the Headquarters Theatre Command.
“The duo maintained that welfare of troops remains topmost in their priorities,” he said.
While delivering his remarks, the COAS, who had earlier paid a visit to troops wounded in action at the 7 Division Military Hospital, stated that he is ever determined to ensure the medical treatment of personnel and their families, both within and outside the country.
He added, that those wounded in action will continue to get support and special vocational training to help them cope with their new health status and overcome psychological trauma.
In his goodwill message, the CAS felicitated with the troops and called on all security agencies to continue to synergize with the military in defence of Nigeria’s national security. He hinted on the acquisition of more combat platforms for the Nigerian Airforce to shore up troops’ air combat efficiency.
The representative of the Gov. of Borno State, the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, had in a goodwill message from the state government, expressed appreciation to the military for the restoration of relative peace in Borno state.
He stated that the successes so far achieved, clearly demonstrate the capability of the military in bringing the war to an end.