The Nigerian Army has urged its personnel to redouble their efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism and all forms of heinous crimes in the country in 2025.
The Special Guest of Honour to 103 Battalion Awukunanaw 2024 West Africa Social Activities (WASA), Maj.-Gen. Tagbo Ude (retired), said this in a remark during WASA to mark end of 2024 Operational Year for the Battalion at its Awukunanaw Barracks in Enugu.
Ude noted that the Nigerian Army and indeed the Battalion recorded mile stone successes in the discharge of their constitutional duties in 2024 “but there is room for further improvement.”
According to him, as a matter of fact, the officers and men of the Nigerian army have really given so much to the defense of our fatherland; they have participated in external and internal operations.
He said, “In most cases, officers and men stay very far away from their beloved families and loved ones.
“For the South-East, which I can confidently talk about, the Nigerian Army troops, which included troops of this Battalion, have performed exceptionally well in the fight against unscrupulous elements among us especially in Enugu State.
“While commending your efforts, I urge you (officers and men) to be exemplary, compassionate and empathic in the conduct of these operations.
“You should always strive for excellence in the discharge of your constitutional responsibility,” he said.
On the WASA, Ude said that it was an old heritage and event of the Nigerian Army that brings its personnel, their families, friends and well-wishers together and creates needed bonding.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for inviting him as a special guest of honour and giving him the opportunity to make remarks at the event.
Earlier, the Commanding Officer of 103 Battalion Awukunanaw, Lt.-Col. Waheed Shittu, said that WASA provided an opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to meet in a convivial environment to share love and understanding.
He said that the event also provided an avenue to appreciate, honour and reward officers and soldiers that had performed exceptionally well in the outgoing Nigerian Army calendar year.
“I want to commend the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the approval to host this WASA and its funding.
“I will appreciate the General Officer Command (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, for his fatherly guidance throughout the operational year.
“I want to assure the COAS and GOC that the Battalion is ready to carry out any assigned task; while remaining loyal to constituted authorities,” he said.
The event featured various cultural cuisines and dance displays as well as masquerade parade, tug-of-war, special renditions and a bonfire.
The battalion also recognised and honoured seven exceptional personnel in its 2024 operational year with awards.
