The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured frontline troops that Nigerians deeply appreciate their sacrifices in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening professionalism and combat readiness within the Nigerian Army.

In a Christmas message to officers, soldiers and Nigerians, the Army Chief commended troops deployed across various theatres of operation for their courage, discipline and selfless service, noting that many would spend the festive season away from their families in the line of duty.

He said that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army would continue to pursue deliberate and coordinated efforts aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.

According to him, these efforts would prioritise sound administration, improved personnel welfare, recognition of excellence, and a transparent reward and sanction system, in line with his Command Philosophy.

“As we celebrate Christmas 2025 and prepare to usher in the New Year 2026, I do so with profound gratitude to Almighty God and deep appreciation for His continued grace upon our nation and our gallant troops.

I extend my heartfelt goodwill to all officers, soldiers, civilian staff and the esteemed families of the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.

He described Christmas as a season for reflection, renewal of faith and thanksgiving, stressing that the virtues symbolised by the birth of Jesus Christ—love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity—are values that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Nigerian Army.

Reflecting on the past year, the COAS acknowledged both the challenges encountered and the milestones achieved in the Army’s operations nationwide.

He attributed recent successes to divine guidance and the resilience of personnel, noting that the service had continued to demonstrate professionalism across all operational theatres.

Addressing troops deployed in frontline areas, Shaibu expressed particular appreciation for their unwavering commitment.

“To those who will not be able to celebrate this festive season with their families because of the demands of duty, I salute your courage and sacrifice.

Your absence from home is a profound sacrifice, and for this, the Nigerian people remain truly grateful,” he said.

He reiterated that efforts to strengthen the Army would remain focused on transforming it into “a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

The Army Chief also paid tribute to the families of serving personnel, describing their patience and support as the unseen strength behind the success of troops in the field.

He assured them that the Nigerian Army holds military families in high esteem and remains committed to improving welfare programmes designed to support them.

Shaibu further expressed appreciation to sister services, security and intelligence agencies, ministries and departments, state governors, traditional rulers, host communities and patriotic Nigerians for their cooperation and sustained confidence in the Nigerian Army.

He said such support remains critical to the successful discharge of the Army’s constitutional mandate.

Urging personnel to uphold the true spirit of the season, he called for renewed dedication to unity, discipline and professionalism.

Looking ahead to 2026, he encouraged officers and soldiers to embrace the New Year with optimism and determination, pledging intensified efforts to tackle emerging threats, consolidate operational gains and strengthen counterinsurgency strategies and intelligence architecture.

He also honoured fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, have made the country safer, assuring that their memory would be preserved through continued care for their families.

The COAS concluded by expressing gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for his strategic leadership and unwavering support, which he said had translated into improved funding, better training infrastructure, modern equipment acquisition and enhanced welfare initiatives.

“I wish every officer, soldier, civilian staff and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, filled with peace, joy and renewed blessings,” he said. (Arise News)

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