From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday marked Christmas with frontline troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau State, in a move aimed at boosting morale and demonstrating solidarity with personnel on active duty.
The Christmas luncheon, held on December 25, was part of the military high command’s efforts to identify with officers and soldiers deployed in various theatres of operation across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Oluyede was represented at the event by the Commander, Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar.
Delivering the CDS’s message, Abubakar described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, while commending the troops for remaining steadfast at their duty posts while many Nigerians celebrated with their families.
He praised the personnel for their courage, discipline and professionalism, noting that their commitment reflected the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS also lauded the performance of the troops under Operation Enduring Peace, saying their efforts had helped restore confidence among law-abiding citizens and stabilise Plateau State and parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue states.
He urged the personnel to sustain collaboration with sister security agencies and maintain engagement with local communities in line with a whole-of-government approach to security.
Oluyede further reassured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority, stressing the military’s commitment to improved living and working conditions, enhanced healthcare delivery and support for families of personnel. He also called for heightened vigilance during the festive period.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to military operations nationwide and reaffirmed the resolve of the Armed Forces to continue defending the country.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Major General EF Oyinlola, thanked the CDS for identifying with the troops during the Yuletide.
Oyinlola said the presence of senior military leadership served as a morale booster for officers and soldiers in the joint operations area, adding that the task force had recorded successes, including the neutralisation of criminal elements, arrest of suspected kidnappers and recovery of arms.
He noted that the operations contributed to a relatively peaceful Christmas across Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS’s representative and other senior officers, a gesture that underscored leadership’s closeness to personnel on the frontlines.
