Army Chief charges troops to remain steadfast, united, committed to defending Nigeria

Waidi Shuaibu, Lieutenant- General and Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) has charged troops of Operation Fasan Yamma and other formations of the Nigerian Army to remain steadfast, united and committed to defending the country, as Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

He made the charge on Sunday at a special Eid-el-Fitr Sallah luncheon with troops in the frontline within the 8 Division Area of Responsibility, held in Dan-Ali, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Army Chief, who was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, said the occasion was not only a time of celebration, but also one of reflection on sacrifice, service and shared purpose among personnel.

According to him, “As we mark the joyous and spiritually uplifting occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim officers, soldiers and their families for successfully witnessing this sacred month of Ramadan.

“This year’s observation of Eid al-Fitr is particularly unique and deeply symbolic. For the first time in recent memory, the holy month of Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, such that both Muslim and Christian personnel of our great army undertook fasting and spiritual reflection at the same time.

“The discipline required to deny oneself comfort, the resilience to endure hardship and the commitment to spiritual and moral renewal are qualities that shape not only the faithful but also the professional soldier.

“As members of one professional force, we have fasted in different ways but reflected together, endured together and renewed our sense of purpose together. This is a strength we must continue to cherish and uphold,” he said.

The army chief also used the occasion to honour officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as fallen heroes whose sacrifices remain a source of inspiration to serving personnel.

He also paid tribute to troops currently deployed across various theatres of operation, noting that many soldiers continue to serve in difficult and dangerous environments far away from their families.

Shaibu assured troops that their welfare remained central to his leadership philosophy, saying the strength of the Army depends not only on weapons and operational capability, but also on the morale, confidence and well-being of its personnel noting that Nigerian Army would continue to work towards improving living conditions, strengthening professional development and enhancing support systems for soldiers and their families.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, appreciated the support of the State Government, describing the luncheon as timely and in line with the directive of the COAS to appreciate troops and boost their morale in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

He commended the troops for their sacrifices and resilience in combating criminal elements, urging them to remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to their duties.

Speaking on behalf of the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mua’zu Nasiru, lauded the gallantry and dedication of troops in tackling crime and criminality across the state.

He acknowledged the critical role of the military in restoring peace and stability, assuring that the state government would continue to support security agencies, particularly in the areas of welfare and logistics.

He added that the government would sustain collaboration with all relevant stakeholders in the fight against banditry, urging troops to remain focused, courageous and resolute in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The representatives of COAS, Gov Radda and other dignitaries served the troops and community members to the admiration of other guests at the event.