By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended warm felicitations to officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration, calling for renewed commitment to unity, discipline, and national service.
In a goodwill message marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, General Oluyede expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to witness the completion of the sacred fasting period, describing Eid-el-Fitr as a moment for reflection, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal.
He noted that Ramadan represents a period devoted to prayer, sacrifice, charity, and self-discipline, urging personnel of the Armed Forces to sustain the virtues cultivated during the holy month, including the fear of God, honesty, tolerance, compassion, peace, and mutual support. According to him, these values are not only vital for individual growth but are also essential in strengthening unity within the Armed Forces and across the nation.
The Defence Chief acknowledged the enormous responsibility borne by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a task he said requires immense sacrifice. He paid tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to live with injuries sustained while defending the nation, assuring that their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.
“At this critical stage of our national development, the security and stability of Nigeria remain essential to sustaining our democratic institutions and enabling our citizens to pursue their aspirations in peace and prosperity,” he said.
General Oluyede therefore charged troops deployed across various theatres of operations to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities. He emphasized the need to consolidate joint operations across the country’s geopolitical zones, enhance operational synergy, and maintain a professional posture capable of addressing emerging security threats.
The CDS also reassured personnel that their welfare and well-being remain a top priority, noting that efforts are ongoing to improve administrative support, strengthen operational capabilities, and create an enabling environment for troops to perform their duties effectively while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
Extending his message beyond the military, General Oluyede called on all Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces as they work tirelessly to tackle the country’s security challenges. He stressed that national defence is a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of government institutions, communities, and citizens, in line with the whole-of-government approach to security.
He expressed confidence that through shared resolve and cooperation, Nigeria will continue to strengthen its security architecture and uphold the enduring values of its democracy.
The Defence Chief also conveyed the Armed Forces’ deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support, noting that the administration’s commitment to enhancing defence capabilities, operational resources, and personnel welfare has significantly strengthened the military’s capacity to safeguard national security and promote stability across the country.
