The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pledging to sustain professionalism, combat readiness, and personnel welfare as the force prepares to enter the New Year 2026.
In a goodwill message to officers, soldiers, civilian staff, and families of the Nigerian Army to mark Christmas 2025 and the New Year, the Army Chief said the season offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal of faith, and gratitude to God for His guidance over the nation and its armed forces.
According to a message personally signed by Lieutenant General Shaibu, Christmas underscores the virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace, unity and values, which resonate deeply with the ethos and operational culture of the Nigerian Army.
“This season allows us to acknowledge the journey of the past year, the challenges and the achievements that have shaped our operations in the defence of our fatherland,” he stated.
“To all personnel deployed in various operational areas who will not celebrate this season with their families, I salute your courage, discipline, and sacrifice in safeguarding our nation’s territorial integrity.”
The Army Chief assured that under his leadership, efforts would continue to strengthen professionalism, sound administration, and combat readiness across the force, with renewed emphasis on personnel welfare, recognition of excellence, and an efficient reward and sanction system.
He reiterated that these efforts are anchored on his Command Philosophy, which seeks “to transform 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.”
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Lieutenant General Shaibu paid special tribute to families of officers and soldiers, describing their patience, sacrifices, and understanding as the unseen strength that empowers troops to perform their duties effectively. He assured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to improving welfare programmes that support military families.
The COAS also acknowledged the support of sister services, other security and intelligence agencies, ministries, departments, state governors, traditional rulers, host communities, and patriotic Nigerians, noting that their cooperation remains vital to achieving the Army’s constitutional mandate.
As the New Year approaches, the Army Chief urged personnel to embrace 2026 with renewed optimism and determination, stressing that the Nigerian Army will intensify efforts against emerging threats, consolidate gains across all theatres of operation, and uphold the honour and integrity of the service.
“Our focus will remain on improving counterinsurgency strategies, strengthening intelligence architecture, and deepening morale and welfare of personnel, while honouring fallen heroes by supporting their families and preserving their legacy,” he said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his strategic leadership, confidence, and consistent support, noting that improved funding, enhanced training infrastructure, modern equipment acquisition, and welfare initiatives have strengthened the Army.
The message concluded with goodwill wishes to all officers, soldiers, civilian staff, and their families for a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026.