Celebrating The Armed Forces

As we come together to mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria on January 15th, 2023, it is important to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. These individuals put their lives on the line every day to protect our country and its citizens, and we are forever grateful for their services.

One of the key reasons why we celebrate Armed Forces Remembrance Day is to honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. These brave men and women gave their lives so that we could live in peace and security, and it is only fitting that we take time to remember them and all they have done for us.

It is also important to remember that the Armed Forces are more than just soldiers, sailors and airmen. Their families, friends, and loved ones are also involved. In many cases, these families have also made sacrifices in order to support their loved ones in uniform. It is important to remember and honour their sacrifices as well.

This year, as we remember and honour the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, we must also think about the ongoing challenges that they face. The fight against terrorism and insurgency remains a major concern for Nigeria, and our Armed Forces are on the frontlines of this battle every day. 

They are working tirelessly to keep our country safe and secure, and we must do everything in our power to support them.

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It is instructive to note that the Nigerian Armed Forces have dozens of ongoing military operations/exercises across the country to curtail the rising security challenges. At the last count, the military is undertaking operations in at least 33 states of the federation.

In the considered opinion of this newspaper, this is an anomaly in peacetime Nigeria. 

While there is no official record of the actual servicemen killed in action trying to provide security for Nigerians, military widows continue to increase daily.

Sadly, due to the inadequacies of the police force, the military has increasingly stepped in to help curtail internal security breaches.

It is gratifying to note that, according to the military, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East eliminated 103 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa State Province (ISWAP) insurgents in December last year.

Also in December, the armed forces disclosed they had eliminated more than 60 terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-Central parts of the country. This is good news.

Similarly, a total of 83,000 Boko Haram members had so far surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

In addition to supporting our Armed Forces, we must also work to ensure that they are properly equipped and trained to do their jobs. This means investing in the latest technology, weapons and equipment, as well as providing ongoing training and education to our troops. This will help ensure that they are able to meet the challenges of the 21st century and keep our country safe.

Finally, as we mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us also remember the veterans who have served our country in the past. These men and women also made sacrifices for our country, and we must ensure that they are properly taken care of when they return home. This means providing them with the support and services they need, including healthcare, education and job training, as well as ensuring that they have access to housing and other basic needs.

Let us also remember their families and loved ones, who have also made sacrifices in support of their loved ones in uniform. And let us work to ensure that our Armed Forces are properly equipped and trained to meet the ongoing challenges they face, while also remembering and taking care of our veterans.

Let us not forget that the peace and security we enjoy today is a result of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and it is our moral responsibility to appreciate and support them.

We owe our Armed Forces a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid, but we can honour their sacrifices by ensuring that their memory lives on, and that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Nigerians.

On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us come together to show our appreciation and support for all that our Armed Forces have done and continue to do for our country.