The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined and unwavering in their commitment to defending the country’s peace, unity and territorial integrity.

Addressing frontline troops during special Sallah luncheons in Edo and Katsina states, Shaibu praised soldiers serving in difficult environments and reminded them that their sacrifices underpin national security. He stressed that the army’s strength rests not only on firepower, but on the morale, confidence and welfare of its personnel.

At the Forward Operations Base in Sobe, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Shaibu, represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, said the Nigerian Army would continue to prioritise welfare-driven initiatives aimed at boosting troop morale and deepening cooperation with other security agencies.

He urged soldiers to remain resilient in the face of evolving security threats and to honour the memory of colleagues who paid the supreme price in various theatres of operation. Their endurance, he said, reflects “the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier” and serves as a constant reminder of the cost of safeguarding the nation.

Shaibu also commended the collaboration of sister services and intelligence agencies, noting that joint efforts have been critical in tackling insecurity. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as steadfast support to the Armed Forces, particularly in the areas of welfare, operational capability and institutional development.

In Katsina State, where he was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, the army chief told troops under the 8 Division Area of Responsibility that the Sallah gathering was both a celebration and a moment of reflection on service and shared purpose.

He paid tribute to fallen heroes, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration to serving personnel, and reiterated that improving living conditions, professional development and support systems for soldiers and their families would remain central to his leadership.

The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Paul Koughna, said the luncheon aligned with the army chief’s directive to recognise and motivate troops engaged in ongoing operations. Representing Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mua’zu Nasiru, hailed the gallantry of the troops and pledged continued state support, particularly in welfare and logistics, to sustain the fight against insecurity.