In commemoration of the 2025 Christmas celebration, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of 81 Division Nigerian Army to rededicate themselves to the beliefs of unity, self-discipline and professionalism within the discharge of their constitutional duty of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
According to a press release by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “The COAS made this call while addressing a cross-section of officers and soldiers of 81 Division Nigerian Army and Special Forces troops of Operation Restore Hope at the 243 Recce Battalion Parade Ground, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos.
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 exigencies 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 assist, strategic management and dedication to the welfare of troops and their households. He additionally counseled the President for approving a rise within the Nigerian Army recruitment quota, noting that it’ll considerably improve manpower and fight readiness.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, counseled officers and troopers of the Division for his or her dedication in sustaining peace inside the Division’s Area of Responsibility, thereby enabling residents to go about their lawful actions unhindered. He urged troops to maintain the momentum and proceed efficient collaboration with different safety companies. While appreciating the dedication and dedication of troops of 81 Division and Operation Restore Hope all through 2025, the GOC inspired them to try for better achievements within the coming yr.
Delivering the 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 assist, steering and exemplary management. He additionally thanked the GOC 81 Division for his constant assist and dedication to the profitable execution of duties consistent with the COAS’ Command Philosophy. He assured the COAS of the Battalion’s renewed dedication to improved efficiency within the yr forward.
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 occasions included the serving of meals to the troops within the discipline and wounded-in-action troopers, presentation of souvenirs, cultural dance troupes efficiency, comedy shows and group images.
