The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, resilience and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities threatening national security.
The COAS gave the commendation during the Eid-El-Kabir luncheon organised for troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army at the Division’s Garrison Parade Ground, Obalende, Lagos, on Thursday.
Represented by the Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim, General Shaibu praised troops deployed across various theatres of operations for their loyalty, courage and professionalism, noting that their sacrifices have continued to contribute significantly to the operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army.
He stated that Eid al-Adha symbolises sacrifice, faith and devotion, virtues he said align closely with the ethics and responsibilities of military service.
The army chief also paid tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in defence of the nation and reassured their families of the Nigerian Army’s continued support and commitment to their welfare.
Shaibu further reiterated his commitment to personnel welfare, stressing that sound administration and troop welfare remain key pillars of his command philosophy.
According to him, the Nigerian Army is intensifying efforts to improve the living and working conditions of personnel through enhanced welfare packages and infrastructural development across formations and units nationwide.
He urged officers and soldiers to remain disciplined, professional and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional duties, while also expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, said the luncheon was organised in line with the COAS command philosophy, particularly its focus on sound administration and troop welfare.
Babalola noted that effective welfare remains critical to operational efficiency and troop morale, adding that the Nigerian Army has witnessed notable improvements in personnel welfare, logistics and infrastructural development under the current leadership.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour, distribution of gifts to wounded soldiers and widows, cultural performances by Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo groups, as well as group photographs.
