The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen.Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday, honoured frontline troops with a special Christmas luncheon at Daban Lema in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State..

Mr Shaibu said that the celebration was in recognition of the troops’ dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area of Responsibility.

Mr Shaibu, represented by the Commander of Signal Corps, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Abdullahi, extended warm felicitations to the troops, and expressed delight at celebrating the yuletide with personnel of operations.

He urged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, reminding them that criminal elements often sought to exploit festive periods to undermine security.

He reassured personnel that their welfare remains top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare, and support families of fallen heroes.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide.

“Your unwavering support to safeguard our territorial integrity  and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, is deeply appreciated.

“As we step into the new year, let us strengthen our unity as one formidable and disciplined force, as well as continue to uphold the trust placed upon us by the President”, he said.

In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 2 division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Christopha Nnebeife, said that the luncheon was organised by the COAS, to interact and appreciate the troops in all theatres of operations.

He said that the presence of the COAS ably represented by Maj-Gen. Abdullahi, was a testament to his resolve towards addressing the welfare of troops no matter where they were deployed.

“Sir, on behalf of officers and soldiers of 2 division, I respectfully convey our sincere appreciation to the COAS for this morale boosting, which is firmly rooted in his command philosophy,” he stated.

Also, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the event as significant, adding that it underlines the importance which the country attaches to the wellbeing of troops in the frontlines .

Mr AbdulRazaq, represented by the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, said that the event shows that the civilian authorities stand in full solidarity with the troops.

“I thank the COAS for this important outreach to the troops at the frontlines, and we are always happy and ready to support the army and all our security forces every step of the way,” he said.

(NAN)