We will overcome our security challenges, says Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, to reassure all Nigerians of their safety and security.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has reassured that the Nigerian Army will rise to any security challenge.
He also charged the Army personnel and the general public with praying for peace and security in the country.
Addressing the general public at the Inter-denominational Church Service to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, Gen. Lagbaja said, “Let me say we are one step ahead of the threats, and in so doing, we have been able to restore peace to some parts, of the nation, especially the northeast, the southeast, even some parts of the north-central region. “And we are reviewing the situation for those areas where we are still experiencing challenges. We are tweaking our strategy, and the troops are rearing to go.
Lagbaja, speaking on the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, said, “NADCEL is a tradition designed to appreciate our soldiers for their service to our fatherland. It is also to enjoy our families for the burden they bear while the troops are deployed in the front line. It is also an occasion to thank Nigerians for supporting their army.
“And so on this occasion of the interdenominational church service for Nigerian Army, my message to the generality of Nigerians is that they should continue to support their army by providing information, moral, spiritual and whatever support to their army.
Speaking further, Lagbaja said, “I must say it is with a profound sense of pride and humility that I congratulate officers and men of the NA and members of our families on the occasion of today’s Interdenominational Church Services being held across our formations and units in commemoration of the NADCEL 2024.
“This year, the NA celebrates 161 years since its inception. Counting our successes in the past year, we realize the need to celebrate and thank God for His countless blessings and victories.
“In about 161 years, the NA has experienced wars, low-intensity conflicts, and military operations other than war, such as peacekeeping/peace enforcement and military aid to civil authority engagements.
“Nigeria today boasts of a force that is globally reckoned with. A force renowned for its tenacity and adaptability. A victory-focused force understands the underlying spiritual component of fighting power and ascribes battle successes to God, conspicuously captured by its motto: “Victory is from God Alone.”
“I believe it is in recognition of the place of thankfulness to God for the past year and the need to seek divine guidance and blessings for a new year that our fore-fathers initiated the NADCEL religious activities, aside from other celebration programs.
“Therefore, our gathering today is to thank the Almighty for His guidance over the past year and seek His continued blessings, grace, and favor.
“Like the eagle bird that symbolizes strength in the NA logo, we have assembled before the Almighty to renew our strength to soar higher and accomplish missions in the new year.
He continued, “This NADCEL service also commemorates our fallen warriors, celebrates the living, and prays for a brighter future for the NΑ. I therefore urge us to keep these in perspective while praying.
“We must keep praying for the repose of the souls of our beloved colleagues who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defending our land. We must also remember to pray for the recovery of the growing population of our wounded-in-action warriors.
“As we continue with the series of activities for the NADCEL 2024, I charge you to pray for us and to do your best to make it a worthwhile celebration. I urge members of the NA family to take pride in our modest achievements and contributions to national unity and development and celebrate our Army Day.
He assured the general public that the AHQ would continue formulating personnel—and family-friendly policies and programs to give our personnel a fulfilling career experience and their families pride.
Lagbaja, expressing his gratitude, “Most importantly, I thank you, members of the Nigerian Army family, for your understanding, loyalty, and sense of duty and patriotism in the face of the temporary economic challenges our beloved nation is going through. I charge you to heed the Biblical mandate to pray, intercede, and offer thanks, particularly for our leaders and people in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, as recorded in 1 Timothy 2: 1-2.”
“As soldiers, our most important prayer should always be for peace to reign in our country, for we are the ones who will suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war if we fail to pray for the peace of our land.”
Reverend Father Anthony Francis Memagene, the Director of Chaplain Services at Roma Catholic, said, “Even though our motto is that victory comes from God when we pray, we communicate with God, who is the mover, who is all-powerful and all-knowing. So we communicate with him, and he guides us. He gives us that inner courage to fight to overcome the enemy.
“So prayer is vital in our lives as we struggle with insecurity in this country. And that is why we talk about non-kinetic ways of dealing with this insecurity. Prayer is one aspect of dealing with such insecurity.
