By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has extended warm Eid Kabir greetings to all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and citizens across the country, expressing deep appreciation for the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the military in defending the nation.
An official signed statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau disclosed that General Musa commended troops deployed across various theatres, on land, at sea, and in the air for their unyielding commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. He particularly acknowledged those on the frontlines safeguarding communities, the maritime domain, and national borders, describing them as “an embodiment of patriotism whose sacrifices continue to inspire hope and confidence in the hearts of all Nigerians.”
“Our Armed Forces stand as a symbol of unity, professionalism, and discipline,” the CDS affirmed, adding that the military remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate of securing the nation and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and order.
While addressing the general public, General Musa underscored the critical role of citizens in achieving lasting peace and security, noting that the responsibility of protecting the nation cannot rest on the military alone. He urged Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility and continue to support the efforts of the armed forces through unity, vigilance, and the provision of credible information to security agencies.
“To our fellow Nigerians, kindly understand that security is a shared responsibility. Your support and collaboration remain vital to national security. I urge every citizen to work with our security forces by rejecting extremism, misinformation, and divisive narratives,” he stated.
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of Eid Kabir, the Defence Chief called for a renewed national commitment to the values of sacrifice, selflessness, and unity. He urged Nigerians to draw strength from the occasion to make sacrifices that would advance peace, prosperity, and cohesion across the country.
General Musa also used the opportunity to reaffirm his leadership’s resolve to deepen joint operations among the services, improve troop welfare, expand training opportunities, and leverage modern technology in addressing emerging security threats.
“We are aware of our responsibilities, and we are determined to fulfil them with honour and integrity. As we continue to build on the gains of our joint efforts, we remain focused on securing a peaceful and stable Nigeria,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff concluded his Eid message with a call for solidarity among all Nigerians, military and civilian alike, urging everyone to unite in building a secure and prosperous future for the nation.
“We have no other country than Nigeria. Together, we shall overcome our challenges and emerge stronger as one nation under God,” the statement added.