By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has extended warm Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 goodwill messages to officers, soldiers, civilian staff and families of the Nigerian Army, expressing profound gratitude to Almighty God for His continued grace upon the nation and its gallant troops.
In the goodwill message issued to mark the Christmas season and the approach of the New Year, Lieutenant General Shaibu described Christmas as a period of reflection, renewal of faith and thanksgiving. He noted that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ offers enduring lessons of love, sacrifice, compassion, peace and unity, virtues he said are not only central to the Christian faith but also deeply embedded in the ethos and core values of the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief reflected on the journey of the past year, acknowledging the challenges and achievements that have shaped the Army’s operations across various theatres in defence of the nation. He stated that, through God’s guidance and the resilience, courage and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel, the Service has continued to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with dedication and distinction.
Lieutenant General Shaibu paid glowing tribute to officers and soldiers deployed in operational areas who are unable to celebrate the festive season with their families due to the demands of duty. He saluted their courage, discipline and selfless sacrifice, describing their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of citizens as a profound sacrifice for which the nation remains deeply grateful.
Reaffirming his leadership focus, the Chief of Army Staff assured that sustained efforts would continue to strengthen professionalism and enhance the combat readiness of the Nigerian Army. He explained that these efforts would be anchored on sound administration, improved personnel welfare, recognition of excellence and the enforcement of an efficient reward and sanction system, all in line with his Command Philosophy of advancing 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 also acknowledged the invaluable role of military families, describing their love, patience, sacrifices and understanding as the unseen strength that enables officers and soldiers to perform their duties effectively. Lieutenant General Shaibu assured that the Nigerian Army holds military families in high esteem and remains committed to continually improving welfare programmes designed to support them.
The Army Chief extended sincere appreciation to sister services, other security and intelligence agencies, ministries and departments, state governors, traditional rulers, host communities and patriotic Nigerians, noting that their cooperation, support and confidence in the Nigerian Army remain critical to the successful execution of its constitutional mandate.
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas, Lieutenant General Shaibu urged all personnel to remember the true essence of the season by showing love to one another, reflecting on their individual and collective journeys and rededicating themselves to the ideals of unity, discipline and professionalism. Looking ahead to the New Year, he encouraged officers and soldiers to embrace 2026 with renewed optimism, commitment and determination, assuring that the Nigerian Army would intensify efforts to address emerging threats, consolidate gains recorded across all operational theatres and uphold the honour and integrity of the Service.
He further stated that the Army would remain focused on improving counter-insurgency strategies, strengthening its intelligence architecture and deepening morale and welfare among personnel. He reiterated the unshakable loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while also calling for continued remembrance of fallen heroes whose gallantry and sacrifice, he said, have made the country safer. He pledged that the Army would continue to honour their memory by caring for their families and ensuring that their sacrifices are never in vain.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also expressed deep appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for his unwavering confidence, strategic leadership and consistent support to the Nigerian Army. He noted that under the President’s guidance, the Army has recorded improvements in funding for critical operations, enhanced training infrastructure, acquisition of modern equipment and strengthened welfare initiatives for personnel and their families.
He concluded by wishing all officers, soldiers, civilian staff and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, filled with peace, joy and renewed blessings.
