The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerian Army personnel to remain steadfast, disciplined, and fully committed to defending national peace, unity, and sovereignty, urging officers and soldiers to maintain resilience and professionalism even in the most challenging operational environments.
The army chief made the call during special Sallah luncheons held with frontline troops in Edo and Katsina states, where he emphasized the importance of honouring the sacrifices of fallen colleagues and the dedication of troops deployed in difficult operational theatres.
Speaking on Saturday at a Sallah luncheon with troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Shaibu, represented by the Commander of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing troop morale and strengthening inter-agency collaboration through welfare-driven initiatives, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army continues to prioritise the welfare, well-being, and professional development of its personnel as central components of operational effectiveness.
Shaibu reiterated the need for troops to remain resilient and unwavering in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity while protecting the lives of citizens across the nation. He also commended sister services and other security and intelligence agencies for their professionalism, collaboration, and dedication, noting that their joint efforts are essential in strengthening collective security operations.
“This is to urge the troop to remain steadfast in the defence of peace, unity, and national sovereignty. They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism. Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier. We pray for their safety, strength, and success in all ongoing operations, and we look forward to their safe return,” he said, highlighting the critical role of soldiers in maintaining national stability.
The army chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, steadfast leadership, and continued commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness, and institutional development of the Armed Forces, noting that the President’s strategic guidance has remained a strong source of motivation for troops across all operational theatres.
During the Edo State engagement, the Commander of FOB Sobe, Lt. Col. Stanley Agboro, described the Sallah luncheon as a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the morale of frontline soldiers, reinforcing the Army leadership’s dedication to recognising and motivating personnel who operate under demanding circumstances.
On Sunday, the Army Chief also engaged with troops within the 8 Division Area of Responsibility at a separate Sallah luncheon held in Dan-Ali, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where he was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre, Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut. Speaking at the occasion, Shaibu emphasized that the event was not merely a time of celebration but also an opportunity for reflection on sacrifice, service, and shared purpose among personnel, stressing that the dedication of officers and soldiers contributes to the collective security and unity of the nation.
He further honoured officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire serving personnel across all formations of the Army.
Shaibu also assured troops that their welfare remains central to his leadership philosophy, noting that the strength of the Nigerian Army depends not only on weapons and operational capability but also on the morale, confidence, and well-being of its personnel.
“The Army will continue to work towards improving living conditions, strengthening professional development, and enhancing support systems for soldiers and their families,” he stated, underscoring that the development of human capital within the military is as critical as technological and logistical capabilities. The General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Paul Koughna, described the luncheon as timely and in alignment with the COAS directive to recognise troops and boost morale amid ongoing security operations, while speaking on behalf of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mua’zu Nasiru, praised the gallantry and dedication of troops in tackling crime and criminality across the state. He assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies, particularly in the areas of welfare and logistics, reinforcing the collaborative approach necessary for sustained operational effectiveness in the fight against insecurity.
The engagements by the Chief of Army Staff highlight the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline, boosting morale, and recognising the sacrifices of its personnel while reinforcing the importance of resilience, professionalism, and unity in defending the nation’s peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.