Maiduguri, Borno – Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has urged the officers and soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to display unshakable professionalism and dedication to their tasks. This instruction was given at the Interdenominational Church Service, which was a component of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023 events, at the St. Bartholomew Military Protestant Church in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The COAS stressed the need of complete commitment to the constitution and the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Deputy Theatre Commander Major General KA Isoni. He warned all OPHK employees against engaging in any unprofessional or unpatriotic behavior that would compromise the values and standards of the Nigerian Army (NA) and advised them to act with commitment, loyalty, and discipline while performing their jobs.
With a focus on national unity, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence, this year’s NADCEL, with the subject “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Effective Military Operations,” aims to highlight the need for more commitment and discipline in all parts of NA operations nationally.
On Friday, June 30, 2023, Special Juma’at Prayers at the Central Mosque of Maimalari Military Cantonment served as the official start of NADCEL activities in the Theatre of OPHK. Muslim believers joined for the prayers to ask for divine protection and well-being for the officers and soldiers of the NA and to offer gratitude for the army’s historically extraordinary victory.
Major AS Yakubu, the Chief Imam and Acting Deputy Director of 7 Division Islamic Affairs, led special prayers for the Nigerian people, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the NA during the Juma’at prayers. He pleaded with all Muslims to keep praying for the nation’s leaders and the military.
Lt Col (Very Rev Fr) LS Beba preached during the Inter-Denominational Church Service, encouraging soldiers to uphold the virtues of patriotism, bravery, and fidelity as the cornerstone of their service to the country. He emphasized the nation’s faith in them as its protectors, particularly the trust placed in them by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. In line with the NA’s motto, “Victory is from God alone,” Rev. Fr. Beba urged officers and troops to be excellent dads, soldiers, and husbands.
He exhorted all Christian warriors to faithfully defend the weak and defenseless while being the physical representation of Christ on every battlefield throughout the country. The COAS used the occasion to express appreciation for the help and cooperation of Nigerians from all walks of life, which helped the military succeed in numerous operations. He swore to uphold the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution with utmost faithfulness and commitment.
Notable dignitaries including the GOC 7 Division, Major General AE Abubakar, the GOC’s wife, Mrs. Fibishola Abubakar, component commanders of OPHK, formation and unit commanders, principal staff officers, and personnel of OPHK, along with soldiers and their families, attended the Juma’at prayers and Interdenominational church service.
The COAS’s statement serves as a rallying cry for the OPHK commanders and soldiers to uphold the
