The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has urged troops of the Nigerian Army fighting insurgency and other crimes across the country not to allow the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru to dampen their morale.
Baba, while mourning the late COAS and other military officers and crew, who died in an unfortunate Kaduna air mishap while on national assignment on Friday, described the incident as ‘” saddening.’’
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In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba and made available to newsmen, the IGP described the late COAS as “an exceptional military strategist, a friend of inestimable value and an excellent partner in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country.”
The statement reads, “The IGP urges members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, not to allow the tragic incident to dampen their morale, but to remain focused in the collective quest at restoring law and order in the country as that will be the most befitting honour and memorial we can collectively give to the late General and the other fallen heroes.’’
Baba acknowledged that the incident was even more painful given the fact that highly loyal, promising and professionally excellent officers also died in the ill-fated flight.
“This is in addition to the reality that he left a country he so much loved and at a time his experience and service are most critical to our stability,’’ he said.