The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday hosted soldiers serving within Abuja to a combined interfaith breaking of fast. He also used the gathering to commend troops deployed across Nigeria’s operational theatres and to reinforce unity, morale and leadership responsibility within the ranks.
The event, held at the TA Lagbaja Banquet Hall of the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Asokoro, brought together Muslim and Christian personnel observing the overlapping sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent, a convergence the Army Chief described as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, discipline and compassion that resonate with the ethos of military service.
In a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu paid tribute to soldiers operating on the frontlines in the North-East, North-West and North-Central theatres, acknowledging their bravery, resilience and steadfast commitment in confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.
He observed that many troops observing the religious fasts continue to perform demanding operational duties, describing their dedication as a reflection of the professionalism and patriotism expected of the Nigerian soldier.
The Army Chief stressed that leadership by example and sound administration remain central pillars of his command philosophy, noting that troop welfare, the wellbeing of soldiers’ families and the morale of personnel remain essential to sustaining operational readiness.
He also urged soldiers to uphold the strong bonds of comradeship that define the Nigerian Army, encouraging them to support one another and remain resolute in the face of prevailing security challenges while remembering the sacrifices of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
Reaffirming his broader institutional vision, Lieutenant General Shaibu restated his commitment to advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency security environment.
Mutual Respect and Shared Purpose
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi, described the gathering as a reflection of unity, mutual respect and shared purpose among soldiers of different faiths serving under one national flag.
He noted that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent highlights enduring values of sacrifice, reflection, discipline and compassion, virtues that align closely with the demands of military service and the professional conduct expected of soldiers.
Major General Abdullahi added that the interfaith breaking of fast goes beyond ceremony, noting that it strengthens fellowship and solidarity within the ranks while recognising the vigilance and dedication of troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
The Army leadership said such engagements remain important in reinforcing cohesion within the force as the Nigerian Army continues sustained operations aimed at restoring security and stability across affected regions of the country.