COAS Celebrates Eid El Kabir With Frontline Troops In Birnin Gwari

COAS Celebrates Eid El Kabir With Frontline Troops In Birnin Gwari

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has extended hearty felicitations and commendation to frontline troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army/Operation Whirl Punch and members of their families on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir.

The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen MLD Saraso stated this on Sunday 16 June 2024 during a special Sallah Luncheon organised for frontline troops at Forward Operation Base Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

In his goodwill massage to the troops which was read by his representative, the COAS highlighted the profound significance of Eid’ El Kabir, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice.”

Pointing out that the festival symbolizes the virtues of obedience and sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. “There is no doubt that the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing animals.”

He used the opportunity to acknowledge the immense sacrifices made by the gallant troops. “As an Army, it has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifice in blood and treasure as we have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to our ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, secessionist agitations, and oil-related economic crimes, amongst others,” he said.

Lt Gen Lagbaja praised the courage and dedication of the soldiers, many of whom he said bear the physical and emotional scars of battle. “Our men have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out victorious for our nation.”

The COAS called on the troops and their families to use this occasion to renew their commitment to the nation’s growth and development. “As we commemorate this ‘Feast of Sacrifice,’ I enjoin Nigerian Army personnel and their family members to renew their commitment to personal sacrifice for the growth and development of our great country, Nigeria,” he said while reassuring the gallant frontline troops of 1 Division and Operation Whirl Punch that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

He expressed his deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for his unwavering support and focused leadership. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support and focused leadership,” he said. He thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Minister of State Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff for their strategic guidance, and the general public for their continuous support and belief in the Army.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel. “I assure you of my commitment to providing the leadership you require to train, live, and fight well. I salute your courage and resilience. Your efforts are crucial to our national security, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed.”

The representative of the COAS and GOC 1 Division Maj Gen MLD Saraso used the opportunity of the Sallah Luncheon in honour of frontline troops to paid homage to His Royal Highness, the Emir and Amir of Birnin Gwari Alhaji Zubair Jibrin Mai Gwari II at his palace.

The Sallah Luncheon was well attended by frontline troops of 1 Division and Operation Whirl Punch, traditional and community leaders, heads of security agencies and paramilitary organisations from Birnin Gwari and environs, and all formation commanders and principal staff officers of Headquarters 1 Division and Operation WHIRL PUNCH.