More than fifty thousand Nigerian Army soldiers would miss greeting their families and loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in person this holiday season, according to Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, or COAS.

He declared that the soldiers would be stationed in towns, villages, hamlets, and areas that are challenging to reach throughout the nation and abroad.

He conveyed his sincere gratitude for the sacrifices and hard work made by Nigerian Army soldiers to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this announcement on Sunday.

In the face of hardship, the COAS praised the soldiers’ unwavering faith in the Nigerian government.

He expressed gratitude to the troops for persevering through the year and for overcoming all obstacles. Based on the Federal Government’s policies and ongoing initiatives, he predicted that the upcoming year would be promising for both Nigeria and the Army.

He disclosed that the Army anticipates receiving its helicopters and other combat enablers in the upcoming year, which will improve the nation’s security landscape. He said that various welfare initiatives that would directly affect the lives of soldiers and their families had been started by Army Headquarters.

The soldier’s welfare is the first priority, he emphasised. He pledged that he will keep up his relentless efforts to give soldiers the tools they need to do their jobs well.

General Lagbaja acknowledged that the Army faces constant difficulties in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, but he swiftly clarified that these challenges are not insurmountable.

He expressed faith in the ability of both the executive and legislative arms of government to strengthen the intellectual, morale, and physical aspects of the NA’s combat force in order to make it a more effective force.

He gave assurances that the Army would keep collaborating with sister services to establish and preserve a secure, safe, and peaceful atmosphere for the nation’s socioeconomic growth.