COAS Urges Unity at Joint Ramadan and Lenten Fast-Break
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has called on Nigerian soldiers to maintain discipline and unity as they defend the country against shifting security threats. Speaking at a combined breaking of fast in Abuja on Saturday, 14 March 2026, the Army Chief noted that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent offers a rare opportunity for spiritual reflection and institutional cohesion. The event brought together Muslim and Christian personnel serving at the Army Headquarters.
General Shaibu stressed that the strength of the Nigerian Army depends entirely on the dedication of its troops. “It is because of our soldiers that officers have a job,” he remarked, emphasizing that leadership is a responsibility tied to the welfare of subordinates. He noted that the virtues of patience and sacrifice required during these holy seasons mirror the professional values expected on the battlefield. The gathering served as a moment to reinforce the “warrior ethos” among personnel deployed nationwide.
The COAS acknowledged the thousands of troops currently engaged in high-pressure operations across the country. In the North-East, the army remains locked in a relentless fight against terrorism, while forces in the North-West and North-Central regions continue to confront banditry and kidnapping. Many of these soldiers are observing their religious fasts while serving in demanding operational environments. The General praised their resilience as a testament to the Army’s professional standards.
Troops’ welfare remains the central pillar of the current command philosophy. General Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to making the well-being of soldiers and their families his “topmost priority.” He argued that high morale and adequate support systems are essential for maintaining a combat-ready force. By focusing on sound administration and leadership by example, the Army aims to transform into a more adaptive force capable of joint-agency collaboration.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Major General Isa Abdullahi, spoke on the symbolic importance of the joint interfaith meal. He stated that the convergence of the two fasting periods underscores the shared values of compassion and reflection that transcend religious boundaries. This solidarity is vital for a military that relies on mutual trust between personnel of diverse backgrounds. The event also included a tribute to fallen heroes who have died in the line of duty.
The Army Chief concluded by reaffirming the force’s absolute loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian constitution. He thanked the Commander-in-Chief for his sustained support of military modernization efforts. As the fast-breaking ended, the message to the ranks was clear: spiritual devotion and military duty are two sides of the same coin of sacrifice.