President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday in Abuja led government officials and service chiefs to lay wreaths in honour of Nigerian soldiers who died in active service.
The President used the opportunity to make video conference calls to Nigerian troops in the battle fields in Sambisa Forest, Yola in Adamawa and to those serving in UN Peace Mission in Liberia.
Buhari, who first spoke to the Nigerian troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest in Borno, saluted their courage and urged them to continue to maintain discipline and efficiency they were known for.
He 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.”
Also addressing members of the Nigerian battalion serving with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia, President Buhari, who congratulated the soldiers, wished them a successful mission abroad.
The President, who commended members of the armed forces serving with the UN across the world, said the Federal Government was monitoring their performance.
He prayed for their successful operations while in Liberia, and also wished them safe journey back to Nigeria in 2018.
Other dignitaries who performed the wreaths laying ceremony at the event include Senate President Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; acting Chief Judge of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen; Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Mikah Gaya, service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps.
Special prayers were also offered in honour of the fallen heroes.
