The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has hosted Nigerian Army personnel deployed to the Republic of Benin on Operation ATILEYIN ALAAFIA to a special Christmas luncheon, commending their sacrifice, professionalism and unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability.
In a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the event took place on 25th December 2025 and brought together Nigerian troops operating jointly with the Beninese Armed Forces following the foiled coup attempt in the country.
The deployment, the statement noted, remains critical to sustaining peace, restoring public confidence and ensuring a return to normalcy in the Republic of Benin.
The COAS was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, through Brigadier General Ibrahim Bunu Sheriff. The Army leadership underscored the significance of Christmas as a season of reflection, renewal of faith and appreciation, while acknowledging the resilience and operational discipline displayed by troops deployed outside Nigeria’s borders.
Special commendation was extended to officers and soldiers of Operation ATILEYIN ALAAFIA who remained on duty throughout the festive season, unable to celebrate with their families due to operational demands. The troops were reassured of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to their welfare, morale and mission effectiveness as they carry out their responsibilities in a joint and multinational environment.
Activities marking the Christmas celebration included the serving of meals to personnel, interactive engagements between commanders and troops and a group photograph that captured the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity among the deployed forces.
The luncheon was attended by members of the Defence Attaché staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, alongside officers of the Beninese Army. Their presence highlighted the strength of bilateral defence relations and the shared resolve of both countries to promote security, stability and cooperation across the sub-region.
The Christmas engagement further reinforced the Nigerian Army’s tradition of maintaining close leadership interaction with troops, even while deployed beyond national borders and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peacekeeping and defence collaboration in West Africa.
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