The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness and professional development of officers and soldiers across various theatres of operation in the country.

Shaibu gave the assurance in a goodwill message delivered at the Chief of Army Staff Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon with troops held at the Forward Operational Base Giwa, Sub-Sector 6, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma  , on Thursday in Kaduna State.

The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration symbolised faith, sacrifice, obedience, compassion and devotion to duty.

He said the occasion also provided an opportunity to appreciate officers and soldiers for their loyalty, courage and resilience in the face of operational challenges confronting the nation.

“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.

Shaibu also paid tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, assuring their families that the Nigerian Army would continue to honour their sacrifices and uphold their welfare.

The COAS reiterated his commitment to addressing welfare concerns of personnel, noting that robust administration and efficient welfare remained a key component of his command philosophy.

According to him, the Nigerian Army is intensifying efforts to improve infrastructure and welfare packages for personnel, including provision of accommodation, educational support for children of personnel, medical care and financial welfare initiatives.

“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.

The COAS also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces and commended the collaboration among sister security agencies in sustaining operational successes across the country.

Earlier, the Commander, Sub-Sector 6, Forward Operational Base Giwa, Col. Adamu Wase, described the luncheon as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, morale and operational effectiveness.

Wase commended the COAS for his visionary leadership and dedication toward enhancing the operational capacity and combat readiness of troops.

He also appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, for his operational guidance and support to formations and units under command.

The commanding officer disclosed that sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effective collaboration with sister security agencies and robust stakeholder engagements had continued to yield positive operational outcomes within Sub-Sector 6.

“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.

He added that the luncheon served as a morale booster for troops and a platform for strengthening comradeship, esprit de corps and institutional cohesion within the Nigerian Army.

In a vote of thanks, the Commanding Officer, 11 Field Engineering Regiment, Lt.-Col. Barnabas Gowok, expressed appreciation to the COAS for organising the luncheon and for his commitment to the welfare of troops deployed in the field.

Gowok said the event provided troops with a rare opportunity to interact with senior officers of the Nigerian Army and further boosted their morale and commitment to duty.