The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, feted frontline troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), during a Christmas luncheon in Plateau.

This is contained in a statement by the director of defence information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Uba said the event was aimed at boosting morale and demonstrating the military high command’s solidarity with personnel deployed across various theatres of operation.

The CDS, who was represented by the Commander Armour Corps, Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, while commending the troops for their dedication and professionalism.

Mr Oluyede expressed appreciation to officers and soldiers who remained at their duty posts while many Nigerians celebrated with their families, noting that their sacrifices epitomised the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He praised the troops’ performance under Operation ENDURING PEACE, saying their efforts had significantly restored confidence among law-abiding citizens and contributed to the stabilisation of Plateau and parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue states.

“The achievements recorded under this operation underscore the importance of sustained synergy with sister security agencies and continuous engagement with host communities in line with the whole-of-government approach to security,” he said.

The CDS reassured personnel that their welfare remained a top priority, stressing the ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, healthcare delivery and support for families of service members.

He also urged troops to maintain heightened vigilance during the festive period, while appreciating President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to military operations nationwide.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF OPEP, Maj.-Gen. Eyitato Oyinlola, thanked the CDS for identifying with frontline troops during the Yuletide.

Mr Oyinlola said the presence of senior military leadership served as a major morale booster and highlighted key operational successes, including the neutralisation of criminal elements, arrest of suspected kidnappers and recovery of arms, which ensured a relatively peaceful Christmas in Plateau and neighbouring areas.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS’ representative and senior officers, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to personnel at the frontlines. 

(NAN)