The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, has reaffirmed that the welfare of officers and soldiers remains a central pillar of his leadership and command philosophy in addressing insecurity across the country..
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya Acting Deputy’ Director army public relations 81 division Nigerian army said the COAS gave this reassurance on Saturday, 21 March 2026, during an Eid-el-Fitr luncheon with troops in the field at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Epe, Lagos.
Represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General OS Abai, the COAS stated that the strength of any army lies not only in its equipment and operational capabilities, but also in the wellbeing, morale, and confidence of its personnel.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to improving living conditions, enhancing professional development, strengthening family support systems, and ensuring that every member of the Nigerian Army is treated with dignity, fairness, and care.
He emphasized that this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration is particularly unique and deeply symbolic, as the holy month of Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season.
He noted that, for the first time in recent memory, both Muslim and Christian personnel of the Nigerian Army undertook fasting and spiritual reflection simultaneously.
According to him, this rare alignment serves as a powerful reminder of the unity that defines the Nigerian Army as a force bound by shared purpose.
The COAS added that although forms of worship may differ, the essence of the observances remains sacrifice, humility, self-restraint, compassion, prayer, and renewal.
The COAS also used the occasion to honour and pray for gallant officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation..
He noted that their courage, patriotism, and selfless devotion remain indelibly etched in the history and conscience of the Service.
While felicitating with the troops on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, the COAS reminded them that national defence and security remain a collective responsibility.
He expressed appreciation to the sister Services and other security and intelligence agencies whose collaboration, professionalism, and dedication continue to strengthen joint operational efforts.
He stressed that synergy among the Services remains vital to sustaining operational success and ensuring national stability.
He conveyed his profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, steadfast leadership, and continued commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness, and institutional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, expressed delight at hosting the representative of the COAS at FOB Epe.
He stated that the FOB serves as a critical operational hub from which the Division projects forces and conducts operations to safeguard lives and property, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can carry out their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.
The GOC expressed profound appreciation to the COAS for his transformational leadership and for providing the Division with the necessary support and resources to accomplish its assigned tasks effectively.
The colourful and inclusive event was attended by Unit Commanders, Formation Commanders, Staff Officers, and troops of the Division.
Highlights of the event included the serving of assorted dishes to troops by the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC, and other senior officers, light entertainment, and group photographs.
