News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has celebrated a special Sallah Luncheon with troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in the field, reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare as top priority.
The event held recently at Government Secondary School Awe, bringing together troops from Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States in a show of unity and shared purpose,b with the Emir of Awe, HRH Alhaji Dr Isah Abubakar Umar II who led eminent personalities from the LGA, also in attendance to honour the troops.
The COAS who was represented by the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Major General OA Awolo said the welfare of officers and soldiers remains a central pillar of his leadership and command philosophy, as troops of OPWS marked the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The COAS congratulated Muslim personnel and their families on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, describing the period as one of sacrifice, discipline and spiritual renewal, qualities that align closely with military values.
He noted the unique convergence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season this year, stating that, the rare alignment underscored the unity and mutual respect that define the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, urging troops to remain steadfast in their duties.
He further stressed that the strength of the Army lies not only in its operational capabilities but also in the morale and wellbeing of its troops and pledged continued efforts to improve living conditions, enhance professional development and strengthen support systems for personnel and their families.
The Chief Of Army Staff also commended the collaboration among sister services and other security agencies, noting that synergy remains critical to sustaining operational success. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and strategic leadership.
In his remarks, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, described the celebration as an avenue to appreciate and motivate troops for their recent operational successes.
Gara highlighted the rescue of kidnapped victims and the naturalization of criminal elements as evidence of the task force’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.
The Commander Sector 2 OPWS, Brigadier General DC Nwakonobi, said the event had boosted troops’ morale and reinforced their sense of belonging, assuring continued vigilance and dedication in addressing security challenges.
A statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF OPW, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, said the celebration featured cultural performances by the Jukun Cultural Dance Group, talent exhibitions, presentation of souvenirs, refreshments and a group photograph.
