CDS, COAS Celebrate Christmas With Frontline Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Sokoto
CDS, COAS Celebrate Christmas With Frontline Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Sokoto
CDS, COAS Celebrate Christmas With Frontline Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Sokoto
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, 26 December 2025, hosted frontline troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to a special Christmas luncheon at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State.
The visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was part of efforts to boost troop morale, appreciate their sacrifices, and reinforce strategic guidance for ongoing military operations across the North West region.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the luncheon, General Oluyede conveyed warm Christmas greetings and commended the troops for their courage, discipline, and steadfast commitment to duty, particularly at a time when many Nigerians were celebrating the festive season with their families.
“While many Nigerians celebrate this season with their loved ones, you remain steadfast at your duty posts. With sweat on your temples and strength in your backs, you are the wall that never breaks and the hope that can never be shattered,” the CDS said.
He praised the significant operational gains recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, noting that the sustained efforts of the troops have helped restore public confidence and stabilise the North West geopolitical zone and adjoining states. The CDS called for continued synergy with sister security agencies, federal and state authorities, as well as sustained engagement with local communities to consolidate peace.
General Oluyede reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, stressing his commitment to improving living and working conditions, healthcare delivery, and sustained support for the families of service members. He also urged heightened vigilance during the festive period, warning that criminal elements often exploit such occasions to undermine security.
“Remain alert, proactive and disciplined at all times, strictly adhere to the rules of engagement and respect for human rights. Do not be swayed by false narratives or propaganda,” he cautioned.
The CDS further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to military operations nationwide, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ resolve to decisively confront terrorism and other forms of criminality.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the Christmas luncheon as a long-standing tradition aimed at recognising the sacrifices, resilience, and professionalism of troops deployed in various theatres of operation.
“It gives me a deep sense of fulfilment to celebrate Christmas with you, our gallant troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff. While we make merry here, similar luncheons are ongoing across other operational theatres in the country,” he said.
The COAS noted that the Christmas season provides an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, and remembrance of fallen heroes whose supreme sacrifices continue to make Nigeria safer. He assured the troops that the Nigerian Army remains committed to honouring its fallen personnel by supporting their families and preserving their legacy.
Reiterating his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised personnel welfare, rewards for excellence, and sustained operational readiness. He urged troops to celebrate responsibly, remain security-conscious, and uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Both Service Chiefs reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding national peace, unity, and democratic stability, while wishing the troops a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year 2026.
The event was marked by the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to troops by the Service Chiefs, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to personnel on the frontline and further boosting morale.
CDS, COAS Celebrate Christmas With Frontline Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Sokoto
