The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, honoured frontline troops with a special Christmas lunch in Plateau State in appreciation of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.
The event, hosted 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 a warm and festive atmosphere. Activities at the celebration included colourful cultural dance performances showcasing Nigeria’s diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, and other morale-boosting engagements designed to ease the pressures of frontline duties during the yuletide.
Delivering a goodwill message, the CDS extended Christmas greetings to troops of 3 Division and JTF OPEP, describing the season as one that symbolises love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal. He noted that while many Nigerians celebrate with their families, frontline troops remain committed to their oath to defend the nation, standing firm in the face of security challenges. General Oluyede commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and selfless service, noting that their efforts under Operation ENDURING PEACE have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence and stabilising Plateau State and parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States.
The CDS urged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, especially during the festive period, which criminal elements often seek to exploit. He called for sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and stronger engagement with host communities, emphasising that public trust remains critical to achieving lasting peace. He also assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, healthcare delivery, and family support. General Oluyede further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to military operations nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, lauded frontline troops for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness, and personnel welfare, in line with the COAS’ command philosophy. He also appreciated the support of military families, sister services, and other 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. He cited the neutralisation of criminal elements, arrest of kidnappers, and recovery of arms and ammunition, which he said contributed to a relatively peaceful yuletide across the Joint Operations Area.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS, the COAS’ representative, and other senior officers, underscoring leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and boosting troop morale.
The celebration concluded with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining alert in the defence of the nation.
