By Adenike Lucas
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, 15, January, 2017, led a tribute in honour of those who died in active service, as the country marked the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The President was joined by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to lay wreaths at an event held at the Cenotaph, Abuja to remember fallen soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel, Muhammad Abu Ali, who led the army’s fiercest battle with Boko Haram, was one of the soldiers killed in action.
Up to 13 soldiers were killed during a clearance operation in Bomboshe and Sinbaya in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state, in the north eastern part of Nigeria, this month.
On Friday, 13, January, 2017, Senator Saraki was asked to represent President Buhari at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Jummat Prayers.
The Acting Chief Judge of the Federation and Justice Walter Onoghen and Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali were among the many dignitaries who attended today’s event.
The President, who was also joined by service chiefs, spoke to the Air Component in Yola, Adamawa state, Charles Owoh, who is also the Air Commander, Operation, Lafiya Dole and soldiers in Liberia via video call.
Nigeria’s Commander in Chief whose campaign promises includes securing the north east from the Boko Haram insurgents, also spoke with troops in the battle fields in Sambisa Forest.
The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole successfully recaptured Sambisa Forest before Christmas last year.
President Buhari said: “your success was received spontaneously by all Nigerians. I congratulate you and I thank you very much for the honour you have done to the country and to us, well done. I wish your families are all well and are getting in touch with you.
“Please maintain the standard of discipline and efficiency. Thank you very much indeed.”
Following the laying of the wreath, Aisha Buhari, wife of the President also took to twitter to pray for the families of the soldiers who had died in line of duty.
In a tweet she said: “we remember our fallen heroes today, I pray for those they left behind.
“Our heroes will never be forgotten. Their sacrifices and labour of love will not be in vain. I am assured that a time will come when there will be zero terrorism and insurgency.”
