Army to boost welfare, combat readiness in 2026 – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has extended Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to officers, soldiers, civilian staff and families of the Nigerian Army, commending their sacrifices and pledging improved welfare and enhanced combat readiness.

Shaibu, in a goodwill message to mark Christmas 2025 and the New Year 2026, expressed gratitude to God for His continued grace on the nation and the resilience of Nigerian troops across various theatres of operation.

He said Christmas provided an opportunity for reflection, renewal of faith and thanksgiving, noting that the virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity associated with the season aligned with the core values of the Nigerian army.

Shaibu praised troops deployed in operational areas who would be unable to celebrate the festive season with their families, describing their absence from home as a profound sacrifice in service of the nation.

“I salute your courage, discipline and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians,” Shaibu said.

The COAS assured personnel that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army would continue to advance professionalism, improve administration and strengthen combat readiness, with greater emphasis on personnel welfare, recognition of excellence and an efficient reward and sanction system.

He said these efforts were in line with his command philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian army into a more professional, adaptable, resilient and combat-ready force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Shaibu also commended the families of officers and soldiers for their patience and support, describing them as the unseen strength behind the success of troops in operations.

He further appreciated sister services, security and intelligence agencies, as well as state governors, traditional rulers and communities, for their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security.

Looking ahead to 2026, the army chief said the Nigerian Army would intensify efforts to tackle emerging security threats, consolidate operational gains, strengthen intelligence capabilities and deepen morale and welfare across the force.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his strategic leadership and consistent support to the Nigerian army, including improved funding, acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced training infrastructure and increased recruitment to boost manpower.

He urged all personnel to celebrate responsibly, remain security-conscious and uphold the highest standards of conduct during the festive period, while honouring fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, must never be forgotten.

The COAS wished all Nigerian Army personnel and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026.

(NAN)