The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has harper on the importance of sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to duty by Nigerian soldiers.
The COAS, however, commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their bravery, resilience and unwavering dedication in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
The army chief spoke while hosting soldiers serving within Abuja to a combined interfaith breaking of fast at the TA Lagbaja Banquet Hall, Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro.
During the event, the COAS paid glowing tribute to frontline troops deployed in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other operational theatres for their sacrifices and steadfast commitment to defending the nation.
Commending troops for their bravery, resilience and unwavering dedication in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country, Shaibu observed that the coinciding sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent serve as profound reminders of sacrifice, patience, discipline and compassion, virtues that resonate strongly with the professional ethos of the Nigerian soldier.
“These sacred seasons remind us of the enduring virtues of sacrifice, patience, discipline and compassion. These virtues resonate deeply with the ethos and professional values of the Nigerian Army, reflecting the character expected of every Nigerian soldier — selfless sacrifice, resilience in the face of challenges and an unwavering commitment to duty.
“Today’s gathering is not merely a social function. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities as defenders of our great nation. At this moment, thousands of our officers and soldiers remain deployed across several theatres of operation in defence of Nigeria,” he said.
He acknowledged that many personnel observing these holy periods continue to perform their duties in demanding operational environments, demonstrating remarkable dedication and patriotism.
The COAS stressed the importance of leadership by example and sound administration as key pillars of his command philosophy, which places strong emphasis on troops’ welfare, the well-being of their families and the morale and preparedness of soldiers.
He urged troops not to lose sight of the strong bonds of comradeship and the warrior ethos that define them as a professional fighting force.
He further encouraged soldiers to support one another, remain resolute in the face of prevailing security challenges and continually remember and pray for the nation’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country.
Reaffirming his vision for the Nigerian Army, the COAS reiterated his commitment to advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He emphasised that strengthening training standards, discipline and operational readiness remains critical to achieving lasting success in ongoing operations.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi described the gathering as a strong symbol of unity, mutual respect and shared purpose among soldiers of different faiths serving under one flag.
He noted that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent reflects enduring values of sacrifice, discipline, reflection and compassion, principles that closely align with the demands of military service.
Abdullahi added that the interfaith breaking of fast goes beyond a ceremonial event, as it reinforces fellowship and solidarity among troops irrespective of background or belief.
He commended soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation for their vigilance, sacrifice and dedication, noting that their commitment embodies the spirit of endurance and selfless service required both in military duty and spiritual devotion.