AfriPulse
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid glowing tribute to Nigerian Army personnel serving across various operational theatres, describing their absence from home during the Christmas season as a “profound sacrifice” made in service to the nation.
In a Christmas Day goodwill message personally signed by him, the COAS expressed deep appreciation to officers, soldiers, civilian staff and their families, thanking God for His grace upon Nigeria and the Armed Forces as the country celebrates Christmas 2025 and prepares to usher in the New Year 2026.
The army chief said Christmas is a season of reflection, renewal of faith and thanksgiving, noting that the birth of Jesus Christ embodies virtues such as love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity — ideals he said align strongly with the ethos and values of the Nigerian Army.
He added that these values must continue to guide personnel in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Reflecting on the past year, Shaibu acknowledged the challenges and achievements that have shaped military operations nationwide, stressing that the Nigerian Army has continued to demonstrate professionalism, resilience and commitment across all theatres of operation through God’s guidance and the dedication of its personnel.
The leader of the Nigerian Army reserved special commendation for troops deployed in frontline and other operational areas who are unable to celebrate the festive season with their families due to the demands of duty.
“Your absence from home this season is a profound sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our country’s territorial integrity and the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated,” the COAS declared.
Shaibu also praised the families of officers and soldiers, describing them as the “unseen strength” behind the success of the troops.
According to him, their patience, love and sacrifices provide the moral and emotional support that empower personnel to remain focused and effective in the line of duty.
“Your sacrifices and understanding give our gallant troops the strength to excel, even in the most challenging circumstances,” he stressed.
Reaffirming his leadership priorities, the army chief said concerted efforts would continue to be made to strengthen professionalism and combat readiness, with emphasis on sound administration, improved personnel welfare, recognition of excellence and an efficient reward and sanction system.
He said these initiatives are anchored on his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively operating within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to sister services, other security and intelligence agencies, ministries and departments, state governors, traditional rulers, host communities and patriotic Nigerians for their cooperation and sustained support, which he described as critical to achieving the army’s constitutional mandates.
As the New Year approaches, he urged officers and soldiers to embrace 2026 with renewed optimism and determination, pledging intensified efforts to tackle emerging threats, consolidate operational gains, strengthen intelligence architecture and deepen morale and welfare across the force.
“Our loyalty and commitment to defending the Federal Republic of Nigeria remain unshakable,” the Lieutenant General emphasized.
The COAS also paid tribute to fallen heroes whose gallantry, he said, has made the country safer, assuring that the Nigerian Army would continue to honour their memory by caring for their families and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
He further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his confidence, strategic leadership and consistent support, citing improved funding for critical operations, enhanced training infrastructure, acquisition of modern equipment and strengthened welfare initiatives as key milestones under the president’s guidance.
Shaibu concluded by wishing all officers, soldiers, civilian staff and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, filled with peace, joy and renewed blessings.
Source: SocietyNow | Read the Full Story…
