The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has restated the Nigerian Army’s determination to strengthen the welfare, operational efficiency and professional growth of its personnel deployed across different operational theatres in the country.
He gave the assurance in a goodwill message during the Chief of Army Staff Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon held for troops at the Forward Operational Base, Giwa, for personnel of Sub-Sector 6, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, on Thursday in Kaduna State.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, Shaibu said Eid-el-Kabir reflects deep values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion and devotion to duty.
According to him, the celebration also offered a moment to recognise the gallantry, loyalty and resilience of officers and soldiers confronting multiple security threats across the country.
“I specially commend our brave and dedicated troops across various theatres of operations whose uncommon courage, resilience and steadfast faith have continued to contribute significantly to the successes recorded against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality.
“Your sacrifices, professionalism and commitment to duty have remained the driving force behind the operational achievements of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
He also paid tribute to fallen personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation, assuring that their families would not be forgotten and their sacrifices would continue to be honoured.
Shaibu further reiterated that troop welfare remains central to his leadership philosophy, stressing that effective administration and personnel support are critical to operational success.
He noted that ongoing efforts are being intensified to upgrade infrastructure and improve welfare packages, including housing, educational assistance for soldiers’ children, healthcare delivery and financial support systems.
“As we commemorate Eid-el-Kabir, I urge all personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain disciplined, professional and committed to the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to us.
“We must continue to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army and promote unity, peaceful coexistence and compassion irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, for his continued backing of the Armed Forces, as well as the synergy among security agencies in ongoing operations nationwide.
Earlier, the Commander of Sub-Sector 6, Forward Operational Base Giwa, Lt.-Col. Adamu Wase, described the luncheon as a clear demonstration of the Army’s commitment to boosting morale, welfare and operational effectiveness.
He said the gathering strengthened esprit de corps, camaraderie and unity among troops, while also serving as a morale booster for personnel in the field.
Wase praised the COAS for what he described as visionary leadership and consistent efforts to enhance combat readiness and operational efficiency across formations.
He also acknowledged the support of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, for his guidance and operational direction.
According to him, sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, alongside collaboration with sister security agencies and stakeholder engagement, have continued to produce positive results in the Sub-Sector.
“I am pleased to state that, as a result of sustained operational pressure and proactive engagements, there is currently no bandit or violent extremist camp within the Sub-Sector 6 Area of Operations,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the Commanding Officer, 11 Field Engineering Regiment, Lt.-Col. Barnabas Gowok, appreciated the COAS for organising the luncheon and for his continued focus on troop welfare.
He noted that the event offered rare interaction between frontline troops and senior commanders, further strengthening morale, unity and dedication to duty.
