The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, 25 December 2025, hosted a special Christmas lunch for frontline troops in Plateau State in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and sustaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.
The colourful event, organised by Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), brought together officers, soldiers, their families and invited guests in an atmosphere of unity and festive cheer. Activities at the event included cultural dance performances showcasing Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, and other morale-boosting engagements designed to ease the pressure of frontline duties during the yuletide.
In his goodwill message, the CDS conveyed warm Christmas greetings to the troops and expressed delight at celebrating the season with personnel of 3 Division and JTF OPEP. He described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, urging personnel to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to the peace, unity and progress of the nation.
General Oluyede noted that while many Nigerians celebrate the festive season with their families, frontline troops remain steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional duties, standing firm as defenders of peace and national stability. He commended their courage, professionalism and selfless service in the execution of Operation ENDURING PEACE, which he said has helped restore public confidence and improve security in Plateau State and parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue States.
The CDS further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined and proactive, warning that criminal elements often exploit festive periods to disrupt peace. He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, stressing that community trust is vital to achieving lasting peace. He reassured personnel that troop welfare remains a top priority, with continuous efforts to improve living and working conditions, healthcare delivery and family support.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his consistent support to military operations nationwide. The CDS reaffirmed the resolve of the Armed Forces, working with sister security agencies, to combat terrorism, protect democracy and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity with courage and professionalism.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, represented by the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, commended the troops for their resilience and sacrifices. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare in line with the COAS’ command philosophy, while appreciating the support of military families, sister services and key stakeholders.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, highlighted operational successes recorded under Operation PEACE SHIELD. These, he said, include the neutralisation of criminal elements, arrests of kidnappers, and recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to a relatively peaceful yuletide across the Joint Operations Area.
A key highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS, the representative of the COAS and other senior officers, underscoring leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and further boosting troop morale.
The event ended with renewed calls for discipline, unity and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining vigilant in the defence of the nation.