The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerian soldiers to maintain discipline, unity and unwavering commitment to their duties as they continue to confront evolving security threats across the country.
Shaibu made the appeal during a joint breaking of fast for Muslim and Christian personnel observing Ramadan and Lent on Saturday in Abuja.
Addressing troops at the gathering, the army chief emphasised that the Nigerian Army’s strength lies in the dedication and sacrifices of its soldiers.
“It is because of our soldiers that officers have a job, and because of you, the Army exists,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the spiritual periods of Ramadan and Lent promote virtues such as sacrifice, patience, discipline and compassion, values he said closely align with the professional standards expected of every soldier in the Nigerian Army.
He said the occasion also provided an opportunity for reflection on the military’s responsibility to protect the country.
According to him, thousands of troops remain deployed across various operational theatres battling terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.
“In the North-East, our forces continue the relentless fight against terrorism and insurgency. In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, our troops are confronting banditry and other forms of criminal violence,” Shaibu stated.
The army chief commended soldiers serving in these difficult environments, noting that many of them were observing the Ramadan and Lenten fasts while carrying out demanding operations.
He reaffirmed that his leadership focus is on building a professional, motivated and combat-ready army capable of addressing modern security threats through joint and multi-agency operations.
Shaibu added that improving troop welfare remained a major priority under his command.
“I am determined to make troops’ welfare our topmost priority because the strength of the Nigerian Army ultimately lies in the well-being, morale and preparedness of its soldiers,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Isa Abdullahi, said the joint breaking of fast symbolised unity and mutual respect among soldiers of different religious backgrounds within the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu also paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives while defending the country, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
He expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, for his continued support for the Nigerian Army and the armed forces.
The army chief reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the president and its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, peace and territorial integrity.
The event was attended by senior military officers, soldiers, religious leaders, invited guests and members of the media.
