The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has enjoined Nigerian Army (NA)personnel to keep praying for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defending Nigeria. 

Gen Lagbaja gave the charge on Sunday 30 June 2024, at the interdenominational church service in commemoration of Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, held at the All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. 

In a goodwill message delivered at the Church Service, the Army Chief urged the troops to also remember to pray for the speedy physiological and psychological recovery of personnel who suffered injuries during operations in defence of the Nigerian nation and the citizenry, adding that they laid down their lives and sacrificed body parts to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. 

He pointed out, that this year’s NADCEL theme, “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”, highlights Nigerian Army’s responsibility to promote national unity, integration, and development. Gen Lagbaja maintained that the theme underscores the Army’s commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defence management in the country and beyond. 

The COAS, noted that Nigeria today boasts of an Army that is globally reckoned with, victory-focused and understands the underlying spiritual component of fighting power, and ascribes operational successes to God, as conspicuously captured by its motto: “Victory is from God Alone”.

While lauding the troops for their operational doggedness and commitment, General Lagbaja charged them to maintain the highest standards of service and self-discipline, as well as to do their best in making the NADCEL 2024 a worthwhile celebration. 

The COAS appreciated the Preident, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting support to the NA and pledged  the unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the Constitution, Government and people of Nigeria. 

He equally expressed appreciation to the National Assembly, the Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and fellow Service Chiefs as well as heads of other security agencies for their guidance, understanding, and collaboration with the Nigerian Army. The Army Chief enjoined all Nigerians to continue to support and partner with the NA to collectively defeat the adversaries of the nation.

The NADCEL 2024 interdenominational church service was attended by Principal Staff Officers from Army and Services Headquarters, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, National President Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and members of the Association, members of Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives’ Association, serving and retired officers and their families as well as several well wishers. The highlight of the event was the NADCEL 2024 Special Thanksgiving.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU 

Major General 

Director Army Public Relations 

30 June 2024