In commemoration of the 2025 Christmas celebration, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on troops of 81 Division, Nigerian Army to rededicate themselves to the ideals of unity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
The COAS made this call while addressing a cross-section of officers and soldiers of 81 Division and Special Forces troops of “Operation Restore Hope” at the 243 Recce Battalion Parade Ground, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos.
This was disclosed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya in Lagos on Thursday evening.
Delivering his remarks through his representative, the Corps Commander Ordnance (CCO), Major General AG Ibrahim, the COAS thanked God Almighty for His continued grace and protection over the nation and the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the celebration of Christmas brings to mind the virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity, which are central to Christian doctrine and also resonate strongly with the ethos and core values of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS described Christmas as a period of reflection, renewal of faith and thanksgiving, while commending troops deployed across various theatres of operation who are unable to celebrate the season with their families due to the exigency of duty. He recounts their sacrifices as worthy of national gratitude and urged officers and soldiers to remain steadfast in unity, discipline and professionalism.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured troops of improved administration with greater focus on personnel welfare, recognition of excellence, and an efficient reward and sanction system, in line with his Command Philosophy: “To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more Professional, Adaptable, Combat-Ready and Resilient Force Capable of Decisively Discharging its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
He expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support, strategic leadership and commitment to the welfare of troops and their families. He also commended the President for approving an increase in the Nigerian Army recruitment quota, noting that it will significantly enhance manpower and combat readiness.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, in his remarks commended officers and soldiers of the Division for their dedication in maintaining peace within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, thereby enabling residents to go about their lawful activities unhindered.
He urged troops to sustain the momentum and continue effective collaboration with other security agencies. While appreciating the commitment and dedication of troops of 81 Division and Operation Restore Hope throughout 2025, the GOC encouraged them to strive for greater achievements in the coming year.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Battalion, the Battalion Second-in-Command, Major M Okon, expressed deep appreciation to the COAS for his unwavering support, guidance and exemplary leadership.
He also thanked the GOC 81 Division for his consistent support and commitment to the successful execution of tasks in line with the COAS’ Command Philosophy. He assured the COAS of the Battalion’s renewed commitment to improved performance in the year ahead.
The Christmas luncheon was attended by the Chief of Staff 81 Division Brig Gen MA Oloyede, Commander 81 Division Brig Gen HM Bukar, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration Col II Gobir, Deputy Director Army Public Relations Lt Col MA Yahaya, Commanding Officers 15 FER Lt Col SL Lawal and Acting Commanding Officer 243 Recce Battalion Maj M Okon, officers and troops of 81 Division and Special Forces troops of Operation Restore Hope.
Highlights of the events included the serving of meals to the troops in the field and wounded-in-action soldiers, presentation of souvenirs, cultural dance troupes performance, and comedy displays.
About The Author
