The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops across various theatres of operations for their bravery and contributions to ongoing efforts against insecurity in Nigeria.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the commendation at the Chief of Army Staff Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon for troops of 81 Division and their families, held at the Headquarters 81 Division Garrison Parade Ground, Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
He was represented at the event by the Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim.
Speaking, the army chief said the sacrifices and professionalism of the troops remained the driving force behind the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements.
“The nation remains proud of your selfless service and dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also used the occasion to honour the memory of fallen soldiers, stressing that as the nation marks the Eid celebration, the military equally remembers its gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.
General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, described the luncheon as a routine exercise being carried out simultaneously at various locations across the country, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy of troop welfare.
“We have never had it so good the way it is, as funds are being provided for troops to be taken care of,” Babalola said, adding that welfare remained the bedrock of improved operational performance.
The event featured cultural performances by Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa traditional dance troupes, while food items and cash were distributed to wounded soldiers and widows of fallen troops.
In a related development, the Headquarters 81 Division Garrison also inaugurated a series of newly constructed, remodelled and refurbished facilities on the same day.
Commander, Headquarters 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in efforts to improve operational efficiency, strengthen the security architecture, and enhance the working environment within the garrison. Achievements he noted were recorded within his four months in command.
Among the projects commissioned were a reconstructed Quarter Guard, described as the first point of military contact and a symbol of regimental discipline; a new main gate to enhance access control and security management; and a car park, along with a newly equipped operations room.
