The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed immense appreciation to the Military for their untiring efforts in restoring the peace within the region and the state in particular.
Governor Zulum who spoke through the Head of Service Borno State, Barrister Mallam Fannami gave the commendation on Monday during the Chief of Army Staff Easter Luncheon with troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) at Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri.
He said the people and government of Borno state will continue to support and collaborate with the military in all aspect towards the total annihilations of the Boko Haram Terrorists.
He therefore commend the leadership, officers and troops for their collective efforts and wish them an hitch free Easter Celebration as well as unparallelly victory in all ongoing operations across the theatre.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya in his goodwill message to troops of OPHK delivered by the Theatre Commander (TC) OPHK, Major General Ibrahim Ali has on the occasion of the Easter Celebration acknowledged and thank all officers soldiers for their tremendous efforts in tackling the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.
In his words "this year's celebration comes at a unique period the Muslim faithful are observing their mandatory fast of the holy month of Ramadan, it is therefore a season of immense spiritual importance to the Christians and Muslims alike, he further added that " you have displayed so much commitment, dedication, courage, resilience, professionalism and the will to succeed, therefore i am indeed proud of you".
While appreciating the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army, he used the medium to pray for the repose of the souls of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of their duty to our father land.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the TC OPHK, Major General Ibrahim Ali who represented by the Deputy TC OPHK, Major General KA Isoni said, the Easter luncheon avails the COAS the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the festive season with officers and troops of OPHK saying that the gesture is also to appreciate the enormous efforts and immense sacrifices by troop in restoring peace and normalcy to the entire North East region.
He further added that OPHK have intensify its kinetic and non kinetic operations which have been instrumental to the huge gains made so far in OPHK. He thereafter commended the Wounded in Action for their effort and gallantry in the ongoing operation while commiserating with the families of those who paid the supreme sacrifices in line of duty.
The highlight of the were series of comedy shows, Easter luncheon buffet served by the Special Guest of Honour and other senior officers to the WIA and troops, remarks as well as group photographs.
The occasion was well attended by other special guest and dignitaries which include the Shehu of Borno ably represented, the Deputy TC, Major General KA Isoni, the GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Commander Navaal Base Lake Chad, Rear Admiral EO Okeke, Commander 7 Division Garrison, Brig Gen J Ibrahim and the Commissioner of Police ably represented. Others include, Formations and Unit Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from both Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, Heads of other security and para military agencies, officers and troops of OPHK as well as civil society organizations and members of the press.
