Your Sacrifice Deeply Appreciated, Army Chief Tells Frontline Soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has hailed frontline troops for their courage, discipline and sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.

Shaibu, in a Christmas message, said their commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated.

According to the army chief the season provides an opportunity to acknowledge the journey of the past year, including challenges and achievements that have shaped Nigerian Army operations in the defence of the fatherland.

He noted that through God’s guidance and the resilience of personnel, the Nigerian Army continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism in all theatres of operation.

He said “To all personnel serving in various operational areas who will not be able to celebrate this festive season with their families due to the demands of duty, I salute your courage, discipline and sacrifice.

“Your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated.

“Your absence from home this season is a profound sacrifice for which the Nigerian people remain grateful,” he said.

Shaibu assured that under his leadership, concerted efforts will continue to be made to strengthen professionalism and ensure combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.

He added that these efforts will focus on sound administration, enhanced personnel welfare, recognition of excellence and an efficient reward and sanction system.

“To the families of our gallant officers and soldiers, your love, patience, sacrifices and understanding provide the unseen strength that empowers our troops to excel. The Nigerian Army holds you in high esteem and remains committed to continually improving welfare programs that support military families,” he said.

He also appreciated the support of sister services, other security and intelligence agencies, ministries, departments, state governors, traditional rulers, host communities and patriotic Nigerians.

He said “Your cooperation, support and confidence in the Nigerian Army remain vital to achieving our constitutional mandates.”

He urged all personnel to remember the essence of the season, show love to one another, reflect on their journey individually and collectively and rededicate themselves to the ideals of unity, discipline and professionalism.

For the coming year 2026, he encouraged all officers and soldiers to embrace 2026 with fresh optimism, commitment and determination.

He said “We will intensify efforts to tackle emerging threats, consolidate gains already achieved in all operational theatres and uphold the honour and integrity of our service.

“We shall remain focused on improving counterinsurgency strategies, strengthening intelligence architecture and deepening the morale and welfare of our personnel.

“Our loyalty and commitment to defending the Federal Republic of Nigeria remain unshakable,” he said.

The Army Chief charged all personnel to remember fallen heroes whose gallantry and sacrifice have made our country safer.

He said “their memory lives on in our hearts and we will continue to honour them by caring for their families and ensuring their sacrifices never go in vain.”

He charged all personnel to strengthen their unity as one formidable and disciplined force, while continuing to uphold the trust placed upon us by the President and Commander-in-Chief, the government and the good people of Nigeria.

The Army Chief further thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief for his unwavering confidence, strategic leadership and consistent support to the Nigerian Army.

He reiterated that under the guidance of the President, the Army has witnessed improved funding for critical operations, enhanced training infrastructure, acquisition of modern equipment and strengthened welfare initiatives for personnel and their families.