COAS Says Troops' Welfare Key to Tackling Insecurity
Last update: March 22, 2026
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The inclusive event featured senior officers serving assorted dishes to troops, light entertainment and group photographs.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has declared that the welfare, morale and well-being of officers and soldiers remain the cornerstone of his leadership approach in the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking through the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General OS Abai, at an Eid-el-Fitr luncheon with troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Epe, Lagos, on Saturday, 21 March 2026, the COAS stressed that an army's real strength lies in the confidence and condition of its personnel, not just in weapons and operations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to better living conditions, professional development, stronger family support, and fair, dignified treatment for every member of the Nigerian Army.
CBI News reports that the COAS described this year's Eid-el-Fitr as especially meaningful because Ramadan overlapped with the Christian Lenten season, allowing Muslim and Christian soldiers to fast and reflect spiritually at the same time a rare occurrence that powerfully illustrates the unity and shared purpose within the Nigerian Army.
He stated that, despite different forms of worship, the core values of sacrifice, humility, self-restraint, compassion, prayer and renewal bind all personnel together.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the courage, patriotism and selflessness of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price will forever remain part of the Army's legacy.
While wishing troops a happy Eid-el-Fitr, he reminded them that national security is everyone's responsibility and commended the strong collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.
The COAS expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent support and dedication to the welfare and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, welcomed the COAS's representative and praised the transformational leadership and resources provided to the division, which operates from FOB Epe as a key hub for protecting lives, property and lawful activities.
