By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian soldiers to uphold discipline, unity and unwavering commitment to duty as they continue to defend the nation against evolving security threats.

Shaibu made the call during a combined breaking of fast for Muslim and Christian soldiers observing the Ramadan and Lenten seasons on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the Nigerian army exists because of the sacrifices and dedication of its soldiers, stressing that officers’ responsibilities were tied directly to the commitment of troops.

“It is because of our soldiers that officers have a job, and because of you the Army exists,” he said.

Shaibu noted that the spiritual observances of Ramadan and Lent reflected virtues such as sacrifice, patience, discipline and compassion, which align closely with the professional values expected of every Nigerian soldier.

He said the gathering also offered an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of the military in safeguarding the nation.

The COAS said thousands of Nigerian troops remained deployed across different theatres of operation, confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.

“In the North-East, our forces continue the relentless fight against terrorism and insurgency.

“In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, our troops are confronting banditry and other forms of criminal violence,” he said.

Shaibu added that many of the personnel serving in these demanding operational environments were also observing the Ramadan and Lenten fasts, noting that their resilience and professionalism represented the finest qualities of the Nigerian Army.

He reaffirmed that his command philosophy was focused on building a professional, highly motivated, resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of addressing contemporary security challenges in a joint and multi-agency environment.

He said leadership by example and sound administration, with strong emphasis on troops’ welfare, remained key pillars of his vision for the army.

“I am determined to make troops’ welfare our topmost priority because the strength of the Nigerian Army ultimately lies in the well-being, morale and preparedness of its soldiers,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, said the joint breaking of fast symbolised unity, solidarity and mutual respect among soldiers of different faiths in the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu also paid tribute to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the country, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The COAS reaffirmed the army’s loyalty to the President and its commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy, peace and territorial integrity.

Abdullahi noted that the convergence of the Ramadan and Lenten fasting periods served as a reminder that despite differences in religious expressions, both faiths uphold similar values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion and reflection.

He said the shared spiritual experience reinforced the Army’s unity and strengthened the bond among soldiers serving one nation and one mission.

The event brought together senior military officers, soldiers, members of the clergy, distinguished guests and members of the media. (NAN)