By Linus Aleke
The out gone Chief of Army Staff COAS, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, said that he is fulfilled, as he is leaving the Nigerian Army better than he met it in 2021.
Gen. Yahaya said this, during a brief but colourful taking and handing over ceremony, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He noted that the Nigerian Army under his command made impressive effort in tackling the myriad security challenges confronting the nation.
While tasking officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to remain professional in the discharge of their assigned role, the COAS said that Nigeria was challenged security wise when he assumed command of the Nigerian Army in 2021.
He told the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, not to be distracted by cynical comments from unpatriotic elements, but focus attention in further denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, said, that Nigerian Army witnessed a milestone transformation under the leadership of former COAS, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, while promising to diligently discharge his newly assigned role.
“Don’t deny Nigerian Army your wisdom and wealth of experience as Nigerian Army under my Command will always knock on your door to seek guidance,” he told COAS and disengaging senior officers.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to command the Nigerian Army under his administration.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, Maj Gen AB Omozoje, said that the out gone Chief of Army Staff, initiated policies that professionalized the Nigerian Army.
Noting that Lt Gen Yahaya is leaving Nigerian Army happy having improved on what he met on ground, Maj Gen Omozoje, said, the Nigerian Army is in good hand, as the new COAS is a proficient and diligent commander.
