Emotional Moments as COAS Supports Families of Fallen Military Personnel
Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday presented compensation cheques to families of fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, and hospitalised troops during the 2026 Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference in Abuja.
The presentation, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, drew senior military commanders, defence officials, and top Army officers who gathered to review ongoing operations and discuss national security challenges.
The event turned emotional as relatives of deceased soldiers stepped forward one after another to receive compensation cheques on behalf of loved ones who lost their lives while combating terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
Speaking during the conference, Gen. Shaibu paid tribute to officers and soldiers who died in active service, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria.
“We have recorded significant operational successes, but the Nigerian Army has also suffered setbacks,” the COAS said.
“Today, we honour the memory of our gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of this nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Army Chief also unveiled an expanded welfare package aimed at supporting wounded soldiers, hospitalised personnel, and bereaved military families.
Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the Nigerian Army had recorded notable operational gains under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
Alabi described the conference as historic, noting that it was the first to be held at the newly constructed Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja.
He commended the COAS for providing the resources that made the event possible.
According to him, the decision to adopt a bi-annual conference format since 2025 has improved the implementation of operational decisions and enhanced effectiveness across Army formations.
Alabi stated that since Lt.-Gen. Shaibu assumed office on October 30, 2025, the Army had recorded progress in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West, and other security operations nationwide despite existing challenges.
He added that improved discipline, training, and adherence to rules of engagement had strengthened civil-military relations and increased public confidence in the Nigerian Army.
The senior officer reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and improving operational readiness through continuous training and enhanced resource support.
He also urged participants at the conference to critically assess ongoing operations and develop practical strategies to address emerging security threats.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme (NAPIS), Brigadier General Osifor, said the insurance programme was introduced in February 2023 to provide financial support for personnel injured or killed during military operations.
According to him, the initiative complements the Federal Government’s life insurance package and ensures that soldiers and their families receive adequate support after suffering losses in service.
“This is a strategic welfare intervention designed to protect those who risk their lives for the country,” Osifor said.
He explained that hospitalised soldiers, permanently injured personnel, and families of deceased troops would benefit from the programme.
One of the most emotional moments came when the elder sister of a fallen soldier spoke after receiving a compensation cheque from the COAS.
“He has a wife and a daughter, and this support will help them seriously,” she said emotionally.
“We are very grateful to the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff.”
She disclosed that her brother died on July 10, 2025, around 11 p.m. in Jos while serving the country.
According to her, life has been difficult for the family since his death.
“Our parents are already dead,” she said quietly. “I am a civil servant and I have been trying to support the family with my salary. There were also some stipends sent to my account.”
Other widows, siblings, and relatives at the event also reflected on the sacrifices made by their loved ones and the struggles they had faced since losing them.
Gen. Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups threatening national security.
He disclosed that intelligence-driven operations had been expanded across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East regions.
The COAS also revealed that Nigerian Army aviation forces recently carried out successful operations in previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, leading to the destruction of insurgent positions.
He further announced that joint operations involving Nigerian and allied forces led to the elimination of a top ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
Describing Nigeria’s security situation as increasingly complex, the Army Chief urged commanders to remain disciplined, professional, and combat-ready.
Military authorities said the conference would review ongoing operations and develop new strategies aimed at strengthening the Army’s response to insecurity across the country.
The presentation of compensation cheques to grieving families remained one of the most touching moments of the conference, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers and the enduring pain carried by the families they leave behind.
