Yuletide: COAS celebrates with troops at frontline, vows stronger counterinsurgency operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed that the Nigerian Army will intensify efforts to tackle emerging security threats while strengthening counterinsurgency operations across the country. Shaibu disclosed this at the Dabban Lema camp in Edu Local Government Area of the State on Sunday during a yuletide season luncheon with […]

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed that the Nigerian Army will intensify efforts to tackle emerging security threats while strengthening counterinsurgency operations across the country.

Shaibu disclosed this at the Dabban Lema camp in Edu Local Government Area of the State on Sunday during a yuletide season luncheon with troops at the frontline.

Officials said the camp was formerly a base for bandits before they were dislodged from the area by the troops.

Speaking during the event, Shaibu who was represented by the Commander Signals Corps Major-General Muhammed Abdullah, said the army remains focused on consolidating gains already recorded in various operational theatres and upholding the honour and integrity of the service.

“We will intensify our efforts to tackle emerging threats, consolidate the gains already achieved in all operational theatres, and uphold the honour and integrity of our service,” the army chief said.

He added that the Nigerian Army would sustain reforms aimed at improving counterinsurgency strategies and strengthening its intelligence framework to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.

The COAS assured officers and soldiers that his leadership would prioritise professionalism with increased attention to personnel welfare.

He paid tribute to troops deployed in various theatres who are unable to spend the festive season with their families, describing their service as a profound sacrifice in defence of national security.

Shaibu also acknowledged the support of military families, noting that their patience and sacrifices remain critical to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

The army chief thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “for his consistent support, improved funding for operations and increased recruitment quota to boost manpower and combat readiness.

As the New Year approaches, Shaibu urged personnel to remain disciplined, security conscious, and committed to the constitutional mandate of defending the country

In his address, the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the luncheon underlined the importance that the Nigerian state attaches to the wellbeing of the troops in the frontlines who are engaged in various campaigns to keep the peace and eliminate all threats to national stability.

AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, said success against terrorists, kidnappers, and other bad faith actors lies in unity and effective coordination.

“Keeping our country safer, united, and more prosperous must be seen and treated as a shared responsibility by the government and especially the citizens,” he added.

“Offline and online activities or conducts that endanger the lives of the troops or trivialise their sacrifice should stop. This is the irreducible minimum standard that we must hold ourselves to”, he noted.

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major-General CR Nnebeife, thanked the COAS for the morale-boosting event.

“This Luncheon therefore is not just a Yuletide celebration, it is a deliberate leadership gesture to recognise gallantry, reinforce cohesion, and consolidate operational gains made by our gallant troops,” he said.

“For troops of 2 Division as a whole, I must say that this honour is well deserved as you have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and resilience across the entire Theatre of Operations throughout the year.

“You have remained steadfast in dominating the battlespace and confronting banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality with determination and resolve.

Your operational successes have significantly degraded criminal elements, reassured the civil populace and strengthened the Division Area of Responsibility”, he added.