The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and his counterpart, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Amao ably represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Nigerian Air Force Headquarters) COPP (NAF) AVM Idi Gamso Lubo, today Saturday, 22, April 2023 feted troops of the North East (NE), Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maiduguri, to boost their morale in the critical stage of the ongoing counter terrorism and insurgency operations.
The Combined Salah Luncheon avails the Service Chiefs the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr with troops of Operation HADIN KAI especially the Muslim faithfuls.
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.
8In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, stated 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.
General Yahaya also added that he has embarked on mass housing development project to assuage the housing challenges faced by personnel after retirement.
He noted that due to the introduction of reasonable discounts by the Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL) in favour of its personnel, the project will no doubt provide the necessary succour of post-retirement housing.
The COAS reiterated that the initiative was in line with his cardinal mission of making the welfare of personnel a priority to transform the NA as aptly captured in his vision. He added that this has partly informed his drive in the construction and rehabilitation of numerous facilities across NA formations and units, ranging from living accommodations, office complexes, training schools, and other support facilities in the barracks.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans COPP (NAF) Air Vice Marshal Idi Gamso Lubo commended the Theatre Commander, all officers and men of OPHK for their hardwork, dedication to duty, loyalty, patriotism and sacrifice in the conduct of operations to defeat the insurgents and bringing about lasting peace to our country.
He said successes recorded are not only a clear indication of the desire of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to build capacities in defence of our endeared country but also a testimony that my vision for the Nigerian Air Force which is ‘‘To enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives’’ is already yielding positive result.
"Our collective effort has ensured that BHTs/ISWAP fighting elements in the region have no breathing space. Your efforts are yielding the desired results and I urge you not to rest on your oars." he noted.
The occasion was graced by representive of Borno State Governor, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff ably represented, Theatre Commander, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Zonal Director NTA, among several other distinguished guests.
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