Army Chief Presents Houses to Three Gallant Troops…
In a heartfelt ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, presented houses to three exceptional army personnel in recognition of their outstanding performances and bravery. The recipients, Warrant Officer Lassisi Taufiki, Staff Sgt. John Michael, and Sgt. Maidugu Ali, have all demonstrated exemplary courage and dedication in various military operations.
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The event took place on Friday in Maiduguri, where Capt. Reuben Kovamgiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, read the citations for the awardees. The houses were officially presented to the soldiers in Abuja by Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, on behalf of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja highlighted that this gesture was in recognition of the soldiers’ invaluable contributions in the North East frontline. “The concept of rewarding outstanding troops in the North East theatre of operation was borne out of the modest achievements recorded from January to June 2024, during the peak of dry season offensive operations across the sectors,” he said.
The selection process for these beneficiaries was thorough, considering their contributions to their various units and formations during the recent dry season operations. Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja noted that these troops had consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in combat situations. “The selection of these individuals, as evident in the citations that accompanied their nominations, showed they distinguished themselves through acts of gallantry, bravery, professionalism, and good conduct,” he added.
The housing scheme, tagged ‘AHOOAS,’ is a home-grown initiative aimed at providing affordable houses to soldiers after their service. Each beneficiary is required to pay a balance of N7.2 or N8.5 million, depending on the type of building, through monthly deductions from their salaries. The COAS has funded the cost of land, documentation, and infrastructural development, covering between 58.54% and 60.11% of the total cost.
Warrant Officer Lassisi Taufiki, an engineering officer, was recognized for recovering and repairing military equipment, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, during operations in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle. Sgt. Maidugu Ali, a gunner, played a significant role in destroying terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest and neutralizing several terrorists, including a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). Staff Sgt. John Michael, a member of the 199 Special Forces Battalion, participated in numerous operations that resulted in the capture of enemy equipment and significant achievements.
This recognition not only honors the bravery and dedication of these soldiers but also highlights the Army’s commitment to supporting and rewarding its personnel for their service and sacrifices. The initiative ensures that these heroes have a secure and comfortable future, reflecting the Army’s appreciation for their unwavering commitment to the nation.
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