The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Amao feted troops of the Joint Task Force “OPERATION HADIN KAI” to a buffet lunch to celebrate Christmas.

Addressing the troops at a Christmas feast on Saturday in Maiduguri, Yahaya lauded the troops for the recent successes recorded in the Northeast theatre of operation.

Yahaya reitrated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari towards enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces through provision of modern arms, vehicles and equipments to ensure that the war was brought to logical conclusion within shortest possible time.

“The fact that his Excellency, Mr President has visited Borno twice within the year and made time to address troops in spite of his tight schedule underlined his commitment to this operation.

“The recent mass delivery of heavy equipments in the theatre is a testament of the president resolved to end insurgency and all forms of insecurity in our dear nation,” he said.

The COAS said the Christmas lunch with the troops including wounded soldiers and widows of fallen heroes, provided a unique opportunity to appreciate the sacrifice, loyalty and camaraderie of the troops in the theatre and other operations across the country.

On COVID-19 pandemic, Yahaya urged the troops to always observe prescribed safety protocols, adding that the military authority would ensure routine fumigation and disinfection of barracks.

In his remarks, Amao, also applauded the gallantry of the troops and assured the theatre of sustain air support for succeessful operations.

Also speaking, Gov. Babagana Zulum represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, lauded the effective role of the military in tackling insurgency, and pledged sustain support to the military in the counter insurgency campaign.

Zulum also commanded the renewed synergy between the Army and Air Force, adding that the development was a source of confidence to the people.

For his part, the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj.- Gen. Christopher Musa, lauded the regular visit to the theatre by the Service Chiefs, adding that it yielded positive results.

“We always look foward to many of such visits which always come with huge benefits to the theatre in terms of equipments, support, provision of strategic guidance and enhanced morale,” he said.

Musa said the support from the military authorities had gingered troops to do more.

UGAMATV reports that highlights of the occassion included feast with wounded soldiers, presentation of livelihood support to 50 widows and decoration of six soldiers who distinguished themselves in battles against the insurgents.

The COAS also announced cash support to 91 wounded soldiers.