Yuletide: Army deploys 50,000 troops across the country

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said about 50,000 troops were deployed across the country to ensure a hitch-free yuletide season for all Nigerians.

Lagbaja who spoke through the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, at a luncheon organised for Frontline troops in Port Harcourt said the Army headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that will directly impact the lives of Nigerian soldiers.

He said, “It is a fact that over 50,000 of our colleagues will miss wishing their families and loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New year in person this season, not because they do not want to, but because they will be on duty in difficult to access towns, villages and hamlets across the country and beyond.

“Judging by the programmes and policies of the federal government, the year ahead holds numerous prospects for Nigeria and the military. In the coming year, the Nigerian Army expects to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better security developed across the entire country.

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“In terms of the security challenges in the country, so much has been done and we are winning on all fronts but there is still a lot more to be done. So, we are going to focus on training to meet those challenges to ensure that Nigeria returns to the good old days where they can travel freely across the country and sleep with their two eyes closed.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigeria Army Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said the operational activities of the Army had led to a surge in oil production quota for a relatively consistent period.

Abdussalam assured that the 6 Division Nigerian Army will continue to conduct its operations in line with global best practices and in adherence to code of conduct, rule of engagement as well as adherence to fundamental human rights.