EASTER CELEBRATION: Army Chief Dines with Frontline Troops in Edo, Commends Sacrifice and Professionalism
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has hosted frontline troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Udomi in Edo State to a special Easter luncheon, praising their sacrifice and reaffirming commitment to their welfare and operational effectiveness.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued on April 4, 2026, by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army.
The event, held in Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State, brought together troops of 4 Brigade under 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, alongside senior military officers and community leaders.
In his goodwill message, the COAS described Easter as a season that reinforces unity and national strength, particularly as it coincides with the end of Eid-el-Fitr.
“As Easter is being marked shortly after Eid-el-Fitr, it serves as a reminder of the nation’s collective strength, irrespective of different religious inclinations,” he said.
Represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, the Army Chief commended troops for their professionalism and dedication to duty, despite being away from their families during the festive season.
“Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder that the security enjoyed by citizens is sustained through constant vigilance and selfless service,” he stated.
He further assured personnel of continued efforts to improve their welfare, professional development, and overall working conditions.
“I remain committed to improving troops’ living conditions, enhancing their professional development, strengthening support systems for families, and ensuring that every member of the Nigerian Army is treated with dignity, fairness, and care,” he added.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife described the luncheon as a testament to the COAS’s dedication to troop welfare.
“This gathering reflects the COAS Command Philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force,” he said.
He commended the troops for their courage and effectiveness in tackling security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery within their area of responsibility.
“The troops have demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience, dominating their area of responsibility and neutralising threats,” Nnebeife added.
In a vote of thanks, the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, expressed appreciation to the Army Chief for identifying with troops on the frontline.
“This gesture demonstrates that the troops’ sacrifices, vigilance, and daily engagements with adversaries are recognised and valued,” he said.
Balogun also noted that the visit helped bridge the gap between military headquarters and frontline personnel, boosting morale and operational confidence.
The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy, and morale-boosting activities, attended by traditional rulers including HRH Christopher Ike Kebordih, local government officials, and heads of other security agencies.
