Yuletide: COAS Applauds Troops’ Sacrifice in Kwara, Urges Professionalism
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and intensify efforts to address emerging security threats across the country, while assuring Nigerians of improved security operations in 2026.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Sunday during the Yuletide Season Luncheon with Troops at the Frontline, held at Debban Lema in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of activities marking Christmas 2025 and the New Year.
Represented by the Chief of Administration, Major General Muhammed Abdullahi, Lt. Gen. Shaibu commended troops for their resilience, dedication and sacrifices, especially those on active deployment during the festive period.
According to him, the yuletide luncheon was organised to appreciate soldiers who continue to serve the nation selflessly despite the personal cost of being away from their families during celebrations.
“This luncheon is an opportunity to appreciate our troops who continue to serve selflessly, even during festive periods. The Yuletide season provides a moment for reflection and renewed dedication to duty,” the Army Chief said.
He stressed that the core values of sacrifice, discipline and unity remain central to the Nigerian Army’s operations, noting that the commitment of troops at the frontlines was crucial to sustaining peace and stability across the country.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu particularly praised officers and soldiers who could not celebrate with their loved ones due to operational demands, describing their absence from home as “a significant sacrifice made in the interest of national security.”
He assured them that their efforts were recognised and deeply appreciated by the Army leadership and Nigerians at large.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare within the Nigerian Army, adding that administrative systems would continue to be improved to support operational effectiveness.
“We will reward excellence, enforce discipline and build a more adaptable and resilient Army capable of addressing evolving security threats,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Army Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Army would intensify counter-insurgency and other internal security operations, enhance intelligence gathering and consolidate gains recorded in ongoing operations across various theatres.
He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, noting that their sacrifices in defence of the nation would never be forgotten.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, commended officers and soldiers under his command for their courage, resilience and professionalism in the face of prolonged deployments and challenging operational conditions.
“Our troops have distinguished themselves through sustained operational successes despite prolonged deployments and austere conditions,” Nnebeife said.
He described the yuletide luncheon as a morale-boosting initiative that underscored the Army leadership’s commitment to troop welfare, motivation and operational effectiveness, urging soldiers to remain focused and disciplined as they continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
