COAS Hosts Special Christmas Lunch With Troops In The Field – Commends Troops For Keeping South East Safe

COAS Hosts Special Christmas Lunch With Troops In The Field – Commends Troops For Keeping South East Safe

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu (NAM), on Friday, 26 December 2025, hosted a Special Christmas Lunch with troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ivo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in a show of solidarity and appreciation for their sacrifice in the line of duty.

The COAS, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the event by the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General TE Gagariga. Delivering the COAS goodwill message, Major General Gagariga commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to peace and security within the South-East and beyond. He said Christmas offers an opportunity for reflection, reminding the faithful of the virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace, and unity; virtues which, he noted, resonate with the ethos of the Nigerian Army.

He described the Special Christmas Lunch as a deliberate expression of leadership presence and appreciation, reflecting the resolve of the Nigerian Army to stand with its troops, particularly those deployed in the field whose sacrifices often come at great personal cost. He noted that while many Nigerians celebrate the festive season with their families, the troops remain at their posts, ensuring peace, stability, and public confidence across their Areas of Responsibility.

The COAS saluted the courage, discipline and sacrifice of the troops, emphasising that their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of Nigerians is deeply appreciated.

General Shaibu further assured the troops that under his leadership, “concerted efforts would be made to foster professionalism and ensure combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.”

He thanked the families of the gallant officers and soldiers for their love, patience, sacrifices and understanding, which he said provide the unseen strength that empowers Nigerian Army troops to excel.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, said the occasion was not just about celebration but also a show of togetherness, reflection and dedication to service. He noted that the event offered a rare moment for fellowship, emphasising the importance of standing together as brothers and sisters committed to one mission, which according to him is the defence and unity of the nation.

Major General Fadairo sincerely commended the gallant troops of the Division, as well as personnel of other security agencies, for their resilience in upholding peace and order in the South-East. In his words, “I thank you for your resilience in the face of threats, professionalism in the execution of duties, and doggedness in challenging operational environments”. He added that their efforts in the theatre of operations continue to speak volumes, not through noise but through tangible results, adding that the Division has maintained its posture, adapted swiftly, and acted decisively where it matters most.

He thanked the COAS for his support to the Division and for providing the resources to make the event a reality.

The event, held in a warm and festive atmosphere, was attended by notable traditional rulers, political leaders, and representatives of sister security agencies. Dignitaries present included His Royal Highness, the Odu II of the Autonomous Communities of Ivo Local Government Area His Royal Highness, the Eze of Ihie, the Honourable Member representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama as well as personnel of other security agencies.

High points of the event included the moment the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC and other dignitaries personally served meals and refreshments to the troops, reinforcing the spirit of bonding and teamwork. The cultural displays from Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa cultural troupes, also added colour to the event, reflecting unity in diversity and the collective strength of the Nigerian Army.