Excitement ‘fever’ Grips Army Base as Buratai Celebrates Sallah with Troops, Leads Push-up Exercise by Yahaya Idris
It was meant to be an operational visit, but the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s visit to the officers and men of Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Daura, Katsina, last Thursday, turned out to be a carnival of ‘undiluted’ celebration.
The visibly-joyful troops, who have been gallantly prosecuting the nation’s counter-onslaught against ‘murderous bandits’ and daredevil kidnappers that have once held Birnin-Gwari, Katsina and parts of Zamfara State’s hostage, welcomed Buratai and his entourage with beautiful rendition of confidence-inducing combat songs.
Amidts indescribable jubilation, the troops while dancing and singing in appreciation of the COAS’ visit, had attempted to hoist (raise him shoulder high) and throw Lt Gen Buratai into the air, but were persuaded not to do so.
They candidly eulogized the Chief of Army Staff, describing him as a ‘charismatic boss, fine officer, astute soldier and visionary leader’ who has always giving his all to boost the morale and enhance the welfare of men and officers of the Nigerian Army.
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They expressed gratitude to Buratai for leaving his ‘cosy’ Abuja office despite his tight schedule to storm their ‘remote and distant’ base, not only to keep in touch with them, but to personally and physically motivate them.
“Our COAS is truly a great and exemplary leader who has always kept in touch with the Army’s grassroot. Look at him despite his age, rank and position, leading troops to one of the most hectic military exercise, push-up,” one of the troops who did not bother disclosing his name happily said.
Another soldier added: “Which other COAS will be so humble, compassionate and fearless like Buratai? No wonder, he is truly adored by the teeming officers and men of the Nigerian Army.”
After leading the troops to perform series of push-up exercise, the COAS disclosed that new welfares package for troops executing various military operations across the country, have already been designed and will soon be unveiled.
He said the packages will significantly help to boost troops’ commitment and dedication towards tackling the menace of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security challenges disturbing Nigeria.
Lt Gen Buratai, while speaking further, acknowledged the commitment and outstanding achievements of troops deployed at the FOB for combating armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping, among other menaces during ‘Operation Harbin Kunama III’, and the ongoing ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’ in the North West.
He assured that the provision of requisite logistics to enable troops perform their duties and also decimate insurgents and other criminal elements effectively remains his abiding priority.
