By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to remain united, disciplined, and resilient in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
He made the call during Eid-el-Fitr luncheons held with frontline troops across operational theatres, including the 8 Division Area of Responsibility in the North-West and the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Epe, Lagos.
Speaking through senior commanders at the events, the Army Chief stressed that the core values of sacrifice, loyalty, and professionalism must continue to define the conduct of personnel, particularly in ongoing security operations nationwide.
At the 8 Division event, the COAS, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, noted that the spiritual discipline observed during Ramadan reflects the ethos of military service.
He highlighted the significance of this year’s observance, which coincided with the Christian Lenten season, allowing personnel of both faiths to engage in simultaneous reflection and renewal.
“Although the forms of worship may differ, the essence remains sacrifice, humility, self-restraint, compassion, and renewal,” he said.
The Army Chief also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, describing their courage and patriotism as enduring legacies that continue to inspire the force.
At the FOB Epe in Lagos, where he was represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General O.S. Abai, the COAS reaffirmed that troop welfare remains central to his command philosophy.
He assured that efforts to improve living conditions, enhance professional development, and strengthen support systems for personnel and their families would be sustained.
Shaibu further stressed that the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its operational capabilities but also in the morale and wellbeing of its personnel.
He commended the resilience of troops deployed across theatres, many of whom marked the festive period away from their families, and urged them to remain steadfast and committed.
The COAS also acknowledged the collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies, noting that synergy remains critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces, particularly in enhancing operational effectiveness and welfare.
In separate remarks, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Paul Koughna, and GOC 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, described the luncheons as morale-boosting initiatives aligned with the COAS’s directive.
They commended troops for their sacrifices in combating insecurity and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
