By POLYCARP AUTA

Gen. Oluremi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Lt.-Gen. Waide Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) have marked the Christmas celebration with troops of Joint Task Force-Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) in Jos.

Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, the Commander, Armour Corps of the Nigerian Army, represented the duo at the event.

The CDS commended the commitment and resilience of troops of JTF-OPEP towards ending insecurity in Plateau, some parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

He further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, adding that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security.

“Christmas is a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope and renewal.

“It offers an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

“But we must not allow criminal elements take advantage of the joyous season to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens,” he said.

The CDS called for stronger collaboration with other security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, adding that the people’s trust “is essential to achieving enduring peace.”

He promised to continually prioritise the welfare of personnel and their families, assuring that efforts were ongoing towards improving the living and working conditions of troops.

Similarly, the COAS also thanked the troops for their selfless sacrifices towards tackling all forms of security challenges in the country.

He further reaffirmed the Nigerian army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare, in line with his command philosophy. (NAN)