The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 2 Division Forward Operations Base (FOB) to remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The charge was delivered during a special Eid-el-Fitr Sallah luncheon held with frontline troops at Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday.
Represented by the Commander, Corps of Supply and Transport, Maj. Gen. Nansak Shagaya, the COAS emphasized the importance of dedication and resilience among troops in safeguarding national security.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who served as Special Guest of Honour, commended the Army leadership for celebrating the festive occasion with frontline personnel.
Makinde praised troops of the 2 Division for their sacrifices, fighting spirit, and determination, noting their significant contributions in curbing kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities within and beyond the division’s area of responsibility.
He also lauded the COAS for prioritizing troop welfare and commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division for sustaining peace and security in the region.
Delivering the COAS’s goodwill message, Maj. Gen. Shagaya congratulated troops on the successful completion of Ramadan, describing Eid-el-Fitr as a period reflecting devotion, sacrifice, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal—values that align with military service.
“We remember with pride and gratitude our troops deployed across various theatres of operation, working in difficult conditions to safeguard our territorial integrity and protect citizens,” he said.
He stressed that the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its operational capabilities but also in the morale, welfare, and confidence of its personnel, reaffirming that soldiers’ welfare remains central to the Army’s leadership philosophy.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for continued support toward the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military.
Earlier, the GOC 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, thanked God for the successful completion of Ramadan and noted that the luncheon aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force.
He highlighted the Army’s “Soldier First” concept, which prioritizes troop welfare and morale to enhance operational effectiveness.
According to him, the luncheon was not merely a celebration but a strategic leadership initiative aimed at recognizing gallantry, strengthening cohesion, and consolidating operational gains.
Nnebeife added that hosting the event at the frontline in Igbeti demonstrates that the sacrifices of troops are acknowledged and valued by the Army leadership.
He commended the troops for their courage and resilience in combating banditry and kidnapping, as well as dominating the operational environment within the theatre.
The GOC also appreciated the COAS for his consistent support and the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the military.
Highlights of the event included a luncheon with troops and group photographs.
