The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy recently organised a reception to honour gallant troops who had completed their tour of duty in the Maritime Component of Operation SAVE HAVEN, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports
The Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy (NN) recently welcomed gallant troops who had completed their tour of duty in the Maritime Component of Operation SAVE HAVEN, a military task force established in 2010 to maintain peace in Plateau State.
With its operational command in Jos, the multi- joint task force is in charge of security of lives and properties in Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Southern Kaduna.
While welcoming gallant troops who had completed their duty tour, WNC Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, said the troops would be integrated to their respective units after post conflict stress management lecture, amongst others.
At the reception ceremony in honour of the personnel, the FOC on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, commended the troops for exhibiting exceptional gallantry in the course of their duties during the internal security operations.
He said “Because you discharged your duties responsibly, the navy today is organising a befitting reception in your honour”, adding that the troops were exposed to different scenario where their lives were threatened for the past six months, yet they delivered on the mandate to protect lives and properties.
Whilst conveying the appreciation of the CNS for their sacrifice, dedication to duty and loyalty, Rear Admiral Gbassa noted that “the experiences of the personnel in line of duties cannot be spoken in words but what you sacrificed for the nation is highly appreciated and that is why this reception is being organised in your honour.
“Across the nation, we are facing some security challenges which requires everybody’s commitment to eradicate the insecurity in the country. You have done your bit regarding operation SAVE HAVEN, therefore it is expected that you undergo a post-traumatic stress management programme that will take you for a week and thereafter you will be given a disembarkation leave for two weeks to reunite with your loved ones and then be deployed for another national assignment”.
Gbassa also advised the personnel to maintain the high standard of discipline in the course of duty as they have exhibited in the past deployment, just as he urged Nigerians not to disseminate negative narrative about the situation in Nigeria, as it will exacerbate the situation.
Appealing to Nigerians to open their hearts devoid of any sentiment and give the security agencies maximum cooperation in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other sundry crimes, he also used the opportunity to observe a minute silence to remember the fallen heroes across the country who lost their lives in the line of duty.
