{{Nigeria’s President Jonathan presided over the closing ceremony of the 150th anniversary of the Nigerian Army in Abuja, asking the Army to strictly abide by all ethics governing its conduct and respect human rights in all its operations.}}
Congratulating all serving and retired personnel of the military for its dedication, professionalism and assistance to civil authority, President Jonathan said reports on the state of emergency declared in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe shows that it was “well-thought out” and successful, as people are now regaining their lives and communities back.
Jonathan, who arrived the Eagle Square venue of the celebrations decked in the Army’s highest rank of Field Marshal, had taken national salute at the Presidential dais and later inspected the parade mounted by troops of the Nigerian Army.
After that, he was driven round the venue where he waved and acknowledged cheers from top political and military leaders, school children and other members of the public.
The celebrations included displays by the Army’s Physical Training and canine (dog) units. The dog unit is deployed mainly to the North East part of the country as part of the anti-terror war against the Boko Haram.
There was also the airdrop of Nigerian Army paratroopers who landed at the designated spots.
There was the display of the newly refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers of the Army, armour fighting vehicles and other equipment by combat arms. There was a combat match by all corps and services of the Army.
President Jonathan, who thanked “all Nigerians for their support in these challenging times,” condoled with the families of Nigerian security personnel who lost their lives in the war against terrorism.
The President noted: “the task of building the nation remains a collective responsibility.”
He the quoted a slogan during the Nigerian civil war: “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” saying the country will continue to remain an indivisible nation.”
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika stated that the Army has made tremendous progress in discharging its duties towards resolving the nation’s challenges.
He also added that the Army’s drive to maintain its own equipment has resulted in the rehabilitation of its 42 APCs that broke down in the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
He also announced the mass production of local products that would help the Army’s operational efficiency.
{Ngrguardian}
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