COAS ENGAGES 81 DIVISION TROOPS AT YULETIDE, CALLS FOR RENEWED PROFESSIONALISM

In the spirit of the 2025 Christmas celebration, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to renew their commitment to unity, discipline and professionalism as they continue to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Army Chief delivered this message while interacting with a cross-section of troops of 81 Division Nigerian Army and Special Forces personnel of Operation Restore Hope at the 243 Recce Battalion Parade Ground, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos.

Represented at the event by the Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General AG Ibrahim, the COAS expressed gratitude to God for His continued protection over the nation and the Nigerian Army. He noted that Christmas remains a season that reflects timeless virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity; values that align closely with the ethos and operational standards of the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief described the festive season as a moment for reflection, renewal and thanksgiving, while paying tribute to troops deployed across various operational theatres who remain on duty and away from their families.

He acknowledged their sacrifices as critical to national stability and deserving of enduring appreciation, while encouraging personnel to remain resolute, cohesive and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening administration within the Army, with increased emphasis on personnel welfare, recognition of excellence and a more effective reward and sanction framework. He reiterated that these measures are central to his Command Philosophy, which focuses on advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of operating decisively within joint and multi-agency environments.

The COAS also conveyed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for sustained support, strategic leadership and commitment to the welfare of troops and their families. He highlighted the recent approval for an increase in the Nigerian Army recruitment quota as a strategic step toward boosting manpower capacity and enhancing combat readiness.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, praised officers and soldiers of the Division for their steadfast commitment to peace and security across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

He noted that their efforts have enabled citizens to pursue their daily activities in a stable environment and encouraged continued collaboration with other security agencies.

He further commended the dedication of troops throughout 2025 and urged them to aim for even greater operational successes in the year ahead.

On behalf of the Commanding Officer of 243 Recce Battalion, the Battalion Second-in-Command, Major M. Okon, delivered a vote of thanks, appreciating the COAS for his leadership, guidance and unwavering support. He also acknowledged the consistent backing of the GOC 81 Division, assuring that the Battalion remains committed to enhanced performance in line with the Army’s strategic direction.

The Christmas luncheon attracted senior officers, including the Chief of Staff 81 Division, Brigade Commander 81 Division, principal staff officers, commanding officers of units within the Division, as well as officers and soldiers of 81 Division and Special Forces of Operation Restore Hope.
Activities marking the celebration included the serving of meals to troops in the field and wounded-in-action personnel, presentation of souvenirs, cultural dance performances, comedy displays and group photographs, underscoring camaraderie, morale and the enduring bond between leadership and troops at the front lines.