Military leader lifts soldiers' spirits, emphasizes need for caution

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to maintain their steadfastness, discipline, and commitment to defending the nation's peace, unity, and sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of their role in safeguarding the country.

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During special Sallah luncheons with frontline troops in Edo and Katsina states, Shaibu encouraged officers and soldiers to continue demonstrating resilience and professionalism, while honoring the sacrifices of their fallen colleagues and the dedication of troops deployed in challenging operational theatres.

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At a special Sallah luncheon with troops of the Forward Operations Base, Sobe, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday, Shaibu, represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Ahmed Balogun, reaffirmed the Army's commitment to enhancing troop morale through various welfare-driven initiatives.

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In a statement on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, the COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army's commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and enhancing troop morale.

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Shaibu stressed the need for troops to remain unwavering in their commitment to protecting the nation's territorial integrity and the lives of citizens, while appreciating the support of sister services and other security and intelligence agencies.

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He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, noting that the President's strategic guidance serves as a strong source of motivation for the military.

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The Commander, FOB Sobe, Lt Col Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a strategic engagement aimed at boosting the morale of frontline soldiers, highlighting its importance in maintaining their motivation and focus.

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On Sunday, at a luncheon for troops within 8 Division Area of Responsibility in Dan-Ali, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre, Maj Gen Godwin Mutkut, reflected on the sacrifice, service, and shared purpose among personnel, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.

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At the event, Shaibu honored officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as fallen heroes whose sacrifices serve as a source of inspiration to serving personnel, and assured troops that their welfare remains a top priority for his leadership.

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The COAS noted that the Army's strength depends not only on its operational capability but also on the morale, confidence, and well-being of its personnel, and announced plans to improve living conditions, strengthen professional development, and enhance support systems for soldiers and their families.

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The General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj Gen Paul Koughna, appreciated the support of the Katsina State government, describing the luncheon as timely and in line with the COAS's directive to appreciate troops and boost their morale.

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Speaking on behalf of the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mua’zu Nasiru, praised the gallantry and dedication of troops in tackling crime and criminality, acknowledging the critical role of the military in restoring peace and stability, and assuring continued support for security agencies.