President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured members of the Armed Forces that his administration would prioritise their welfare and continue supporting military operations against terrorism and banditry across the country.
The president gave the assurance in Abuja during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the armed forces and senior government officials, where he commended soldiers for their sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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“I’m standing before you to say thank you for responding to this invitation for interfaith breaking of fast together reflection the complexity and diversity of our nation,” Mr Tinubu said, adding “God has ordained this period to coincide with one another for self-integration and self actualization and interfaith peace is very, very laudable that We can celebrate and just break bread together.”
He also referred to remarks earlier made by the Chief of Army Staff, saying government support for the military remains a priority.
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“I’ve listened to the Chief of Army Staff, so your remark didn’t pay for the dinner. However, I take it that the recent approvals and commitment we’ve given to the army is well placed,” he said.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade, including insurgency in the North-east, banditry in the North-west and parts of the North-central, as well as communal violence and kidnapping in several regions. The insurgency led by extremist groups, mainly Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands, while bandit attacks and mass abductions have continued to strain security resources.
In response, the military has launched several task force operations in these areas, with operational gains being reported every week.
On Friday, the president praised soldiers for serving the country despite the personal sacrifices involved.
“My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well many times you are without your families. You stay away from them,” he said.
He added: “Some are facing attacks from bandits and terrorists, working hard together, whether in the office or in the medical section. You’ve been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sufferings will not be in vain, I assure you.”
Mr Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity remained a source of strength and unity, particularly at a time when the armed forces were battling various security threats.
“We reflect our diversity, which is the hallmark of the progress and solidarity of our country. I’m so grateful to all of you, particularly the leadership of the armed forces, working so hard to protect this country from marauders and keep our sovereignty,” he said.
The president pledged that the welfare of soldiers and their families would receive priority attention from his administration.
“I assure you, we’ll do everything possible, collectively, to ensure that you have no regrets, the welfare and many other opportunities that should be extended to your families will take first priority in our decisions,” he said.
He also acknowledged the shortage of military housing and other welfare challenges.
“I understand from COAS the shortage of accommodations and everything, we’re struggling with it collectively,” the president said.
Economy stabilised
The president also said Nigeria’s economy, which faced significant challenges at the start of his administration, had begun to stabilise.
“When we first started, we had a rough ride and ran into very serious turbulence, but I can say, as I’m standing before you now, that we’ve stabilised,” Mr Tinubu said, adding Nigeria is “out of the dark tunnel.”
“We are seeing daylight and bright light ahead of us,” he added.
Mr Tinubu also expressed sympathy to the victims of a recent incident in Borno State and said he had reached out to the state governor, Babagana Zulum.
“Nigeria has always prevailed anytime that we are challenged, we have always come together, pulled together, think and sympathise with one another.
“My sympathy goes to the Vice President and the entire country, and the people of Borno for the incident that occurred. I made a call to Zulum to share the pain with him. (Addressing the Vice President) If you talk to him too, please remember to reinforce our love and our sincere concern and commitment that freedom, yes, could be difficult and challenging at this period, we appreciate all the people who are facing the challenges of terrorism and banditry. We will win, Nigeria will prevail.”
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, thanked the president for approving an upward review of the salaries of military personnel and allowances for the Brigade of Guards.
Mr Shaibu said the approvals also covered procurement of equipment and provision of improved accommodation for soldiers, which he noted would enhance operational efficiency.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of the armed forces to the president and pledged the military’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy.
He said the armed forces “remain the defenders of our democracy, and will do all that it takes to safeguard it.”
