By Fatima Saka
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the welfare of troops remains central to the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, as he hosted soldiers of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) to an Eid-el-Kabir luncheon in Doma, Nasarawa State.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS made this known during the event held on May 28, 2026, at Central Primary School, Doma, where he emphasised that efficient welfare is a key pillar of his Command Philosophy.
Addressing the troops, the Army Chief described Eid-el-Kabir as a period of deep reflection on faith, sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to duty. He commended personnel deployed across various theatres of operation for their unwavering loyalty, courage, and resilience in tackling terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other threats to national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the living and working conditions of soldiers, including enhanced accommodation, educational support for troops’ children, improved healthcare services, and strengthened financial welfare packages. He assured the troops of the Army leadership’s commitment to continually addressing their needs.
“The sacrifices of our personnel will always be matched with deliberate efforts to support and uplift them,” he stated.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army and the broader Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, said the luncheon was organised to recognise and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of troops operating across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
As part of the engagement, the Army delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ahmad Aliyu Oga Onawo, who pledged continued support for security agencies and offered prayers for lasting peace in the country.
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The event featured a series of activities, including cultural displays, tug-of-war competitions, refreshments, and group photographs. A vote of thanks was delivered by the Commander Sector 2 OPWS, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi.
The luncheon underscored the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to boost troop morale, while reinforcing the critical link between personnel welfare and sustained security operations.
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