Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa on Thursday celebrated Christmas and had lunch with Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the frontline troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Sokoto.
The CDS while addressing Troops at Giginya Barracks Sokoto, the headquarters of Northwest Operation Fansan Yamma, said there would be no foreign Military base in Nigeria, “The Nigerian Arm forces have the capacity and capability to defend the territorial integrity of the country and deal with any local or foreign aggression.
” We will not allow an inch of the Nigerian territory to be taken over by anybody to serve as a launching pad to our neighbouring countries”
Reacting to a recent Airstrike in Sokoto, the CDS sent a clear warning signal to all those who harbour bandits and other criminal groups that, the Nigerian Arm forces will continue to treat them as same.
He said anyone who turns himself into a rat, a cat will run after him, we should join hands with our neighbors to fight our common enemy.
“Don’t support LAKURAWA or any criminal group, he who harbour criminals is a potential target in the war against insecurity.”
The Chief of Defence Staff thanked Sokoto state governor Ahmed Aliyu, Sultan of Sokoto, and the personnel of the Nigerian Arm forces for their sacrifices and untiring commitment in tackling security challenges.
The Defence Chief further charged the troops to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that the constitutional responsibilities are achieved within a joint and multi-agency environment.
General Musa thanked the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian armed forces.
The CDS vowed that the Nigerian armed forces would remain committed, determined, and focused on winning battles of insecurity, protecting national interests, and accomplishing other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint environment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Northwest Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, celebrated the achievements of the troops throughout the year.
He tasked them to redouble their efforts as the challenges faced in the Joint Operations Area require continuous vigilance and dedication.
The GOC urged troops to remain disciplined, loyal, vigilant, and professional in their conduct this season and always.
He appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, for his leadership and strategic guidance which have helped 8 Division and Operation FANSAN YAMMA to record numerous successes in kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
The event had the the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, heads of security agencies and officers, and senior military officers and other notable dignitaries in attendance.
Highlights of the occasion were cultural dance performance by the Tiv cultural troupe, a symbolic serving of troops by the Chief of Defence Staff, and presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
