![COAS Raises Morale in Christmas Feast with Frontline Troops in Hadin Kai, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231226_090919.jpg)
By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Lieut.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), celebrated Christmas with frontline troops in Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Monday, at Headquarters 27 Task Force Brigade Buni-Gari Yobe State.
The visit serves as a morale booster for the frontline troops for the sacrifices they made and a reminder that they are not forgotten during the festive season.
In his Christmas message to the troops, the COAS, represented by the Commander Armoured Corps, Maj.- Gen. MS Ahmed, stated that “over 50,000 of our colleagues will miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person this season.
“Not because they do not want to, but because they will be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, villages and harmlets across the country and beyond,” he said.
Gen. Lagbaja appreciated the sacrifices, efforts and commitment of the troops in the fight against insurgency.
While he wished the troops and their families Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, he said that Army Headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that will directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK Maj.-Gen. GU Chibuisi said, the choice of Buni Gari for this year’s celebration was borne from the desire to ensure that troops outside the Theatre Headquarters also had a feel of the COAS care during the festive season.
He used the medium to recognize and appreciate troops who sustained injuries in the course of the operations and prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.
Governor Mai Mala Buni thanked and congratulated the troops who made it to the end of year 2023.
Represented by Brig.- Gen. D Abdulsalam (Rtd), Buni commended the sacrifices and efforts of troops in ensuring sanity and stability in the region.