Insecurity: Let’s Unite against Our Common Enemies, Defence Chief Charges Nigerians

•Safe, secure nation in sight, says Air Force chief

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, in his Christmas message to the nation, yesterday charged the citizenry to unite against the common enemies of the nation.

His charge came as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, stated that the prospect of a safe and secure Nigeria was in sight  as long as the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to collectively keep their ‘eyes on the ball’ in getting the job done.

He spoke even as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, celebrated Christmas with the frontline troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North  East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK),  at Headquarters 27 Task Force Brigade Buni-Gari Yobe State.

The defence chief called for unity of the nation and support for the Armed Forces.

“As we join the global celebration of Christmas and New Year, I express sincere gratitude to the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN) and Nigerians for unwavering commitment. May the festive spirit bind us as one, and the warmth of shared destiny resonate beyond this season.

“My fervent prayer is that, as we revel, we align with Christ’s teachings of peace, love, and harmony. Acknowledging the sacrifices of our uniformed heroes defending our nation, let us face challenges with unity and courage. Your bravery will not go unnoticed, and we commit to continuous support”, he said.

He added: “Seizing this moment, I call on all Nigerians to unite against common enemies. Support our motivated AFN, steadfast in defending our nation’s integrity.

“As we bid farewell to the year, look to the New Year with renewed hope. Stay vigilant and resolute in protecting our nation. With the commitment of all Nigerians, we will secure our dear nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the prospect of a safe and secured Nigeria was in sight, as long as the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to collectively keep their ‘eyes on the ball’ in getting the job done.

He also noted that aside kinetic means of curbing the current security challenges confronting the country, the synergy of efforts drawn from a whole-of-society approach remains the best approach in winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians as well as speedily defeating the threats posed by terrorists and other non-state actors in all ramifications.

 Abubakar spoke while in Maiduguri to attend a Christmas luncheon organised for the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

The CAS said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on its part, had continued to engage with societal groups within the areas of operation through medical outreaches and welfare advocacies.

He also stated that under his watch, NAF personnel at the frontlines were continually reminded and trained on the Law of Armed Conflict, Rules of Engagement and strict observance of human rights in line with the United Nations Charter on Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Similarly, he added, pilots, engineers and other technicians were availed of several safety management lessons and techniques to minimize risks associated with ongoing air operations.

Also, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lagbaja, celebrated Christmas with the frontline troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North  East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK),  at Headquarters 27 Task Force Brigade Buni-Gari Yobe State.

The  Christmas luncheon was  organised to share  a moment of joy with the frontline troops, in order to boost their morale  and equally interact freely with them in the theatre of operations.

The event was equally conceived to create an atmosphere where officers and soldiers would meet outside the trenches due to the  current operations to wine, dine and not to relent, but continuously build on the successes recorded so far.

While reading out his Christmas message to the troops, the COAS stated that “Over 50,000 of our colleagues will miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person this season, not because they do not want to, but because they will be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, villages and hamlets across the country and beyond”.

 Lagbaja, who was represented by the Commander Armoured Corps, Major General MS Ahmed, appreciated the sacrifices, efforts and commitment of troops in the fight against insurgency,  adding that Army Headquarters had initiated several welfare projects that will directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families.

In his speech, the representative of Yobe State Governor, Brig. Gen D. Abdulsalam (rtd) who is also the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, thanked and congratulated all troops, who made it to the end of year 2023.

He used the medium to commend the sacrifices and efforts of troops in ensuring sanity and stability in the NE.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK Major General GU Chibuisi, said the choice of Buni Gari for this year’s celebration was borne from the desire to ensure that troops outside the Theatre Headquarters also had a feel of the COAS care  during the festive season.

He used the medium to recognise and appreciate troops who sustained injuries in the course of the operations and prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.

Similarly, the Commander Sector 2 OPHK Major General MLD Saraso in his welcome remarks, thanked the COAS for his distinguished leadership and appreciated the Theatre Commander for bringing the celebration to Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The Occasion was graced by the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN Kai,  Representative of Yobe State Governor, General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, Commander Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Heads of Security Agencies in Yobe State amongst other Senior officers across OPHK theatre of operations.