By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reassured Nigerians of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and sustaining peace and security, even as he paid glowing tribute to troops deployed across various theatres of operation during the Christmas season.
In his Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 goodwill message to Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces, General Oluyede described Christmas as “a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope and renewal,” noting that it offers an opportunity for national reflection on unity, peace and collective responsibility.
“As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my warm Christmas greetings to all Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the CDS said, stressing that the season calls for renewed commitment to “peace, unity and national progress.”
General Oluyede expressed profound appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience and continued support for the military, despite the country’s security challenges.
According to him, “your steadfast belief in the Nigerian project remains a vital source of strength and motivation to our troops,” adding that the “trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security.”
He assured citizens that the Armed Forces would remain steadfast in carrying out their constitutional duties, stating, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to remain resolute in our constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions.”
The CDS paid special tribute to frontline troops who remain on duty during the festive period, describing their service as the finest tradition of the military. “Your courage, discipline, professionalism and selfless service, often at great personal sacrifice, epitomise the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said, noting that while others celebrate with their families, the troops remain “vigilant, confronting diverse threats to our collective peace and security.”
He reassured military personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, emphasizing that leadership is committed to improving their living and working conditions. General Oluyede cited the Military Strategic Philosophy of the Armed Forces, which he said is focused on consolidating capabilities through enhanced jointness, improved welfare and sound administration. “We are firmly committed to improving the living and working conditions of our personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances and sustained support for the families of our fallen heroes,” he said.
Urging members of the Armed Forces to reflect on the teachings of Christ, the CDS called for continued discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution. He also appealed to Nigerians to use the festive season to promote unity across ethnic, religious and cultural lines, noting that “our diversity remains our strength.”
General Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his “unwavering support to the Armed Forces,” and called on sister security agencies to sustain collaboration and unity of effort in safeguarding the nation.
“I wish us all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year,” the CDS concluded.
