By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Major General Uwem Bassey, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigeria Army, Sokoto at the weekend said the army remain resilient and united in synergy devoid of religious, tribe or ethnic sentiments towards reversing the country’s current security challenges.
” Any country without unified army will surely disappear. We are building a more responsive synergy in our operational spheres within the division’s Operation ‘Hadarin Daji’ across the 3 sections of Zamfara and Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto.”
He noted that the army was facing enormous challenging moments even as he confirmed that the country was still strong and united despite its diversity.
” We are leaving no stone unturned in fighting the enemies of the country.”
Speaking during an inter-denominational service to mark the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Giginya Barracks St. Bartholomew Church , Sokoto , Bassey said the army was the last line of defence towards securing the nation’s territorial integrity against external aggression as well promote unity ,religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among diverse national population.
The congregation was attended by the Garrison Commander, Maj. General C.R. Nnennabeife among other top officers and wives.
He said the difficulties being experienced was just for a while noting that it would not last for long in view of the enormous resources being invested in military operations to secure the country.
According to him” today is a moment that we look into our records, reflect on what we have done and how far we have achieved to further strengthen our capacity for service to the nation.
” Discipline, training and playing by the rules of engagement with respect for human right for deligent service are cardinal .
” No training in the military that circumvents hardship. We have to persevere in serving our great nation”, he urged.
Bassey however, disclosed that over 56,000 men and women had surrendered to the army in the Northeast Operation’ Hadin Kai’ stressing that ” we are fast doing our best in securing the Northwest . I can tell you that is a matter of time . If the Northeast can be finally secured, nothing will stop us recording same feat in the Northwest”, he vowed.
He observed with concerns that banditry and kidnapping activities within most parts of the Northwest were perpetrated at the most remotest communities with rough terrains, thus, making it quite tasking and difficult to penetrate ” despite the challenges, we are fast strengthening to square up”, Bassey said.
Earlier, in his sermons at the church inter-denominational service, the 8 Div. Chaplain , Lt. Col. Elimi Clement noted that no time the country needed the army most than now.
According to him , the country’s life, hope and strength was the army which unity and strength lies in its citizens.
“Many heroes and heroins have fought in the 1st, 2nd and civil war with their lives in defence of the nation and citizens.
” Our togetherness is important in our diversity. Today, over 200 million Nigerians rely on the army to provide security.
” We owe the nation a duty to be united in defence of its citizens against enemies that have bedevilled us . As we unite, the Lord will is mercy by getting us out of the challenges.
” So many things have divided us against what unites us. Soldiers must rise against above these sentiments in the spirit of righteousness for good governance for the prosperity of the country”, he pointed out.
Clement while making reference to chapters of the Bible , quoted Joshua 1:3 and Luke 3:13 added” we should learn to be strong and courageous towards win , we mist pull ourselves together be our brother s brothers by understanding the nature of conflicts at various levels of our endeavours with a view to profering solutions for peace and stability of the country.”
However, renditions were performed by an inter-denominational choir groups to climax the special church service.
