Eid el-Fitr: COAS praises sacrifice of fallen heroes, preaches harmony

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, has facilitated a meeting with Nigerian Army personnel and their families on the occasion of Eid el-Fitr to mark the end of the month of Ramadan.

He admonished them of unity, resilience and renewed commitment to national service, honoring the sacrifices of fallen and serving troops.

In a goodwill message marking the 2026 Eid el-Fitr celebration, the army chief congratulated Muslim officers and soldiers for successfully completing the holy month of Ramadan, describing the period as one of devotion, sacrifice and spiritual renewal that closely aligns with the core values ​​of military professionalism.

He noted that this year’s observance held special significance as Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, a rare alignment that he said underlines unity and shared purpose within the Nigerian military.

According to him, the simultaneous fasting and reflection by both Muslim and Christian personnel demonstrated that diversity in faith remains a source of strength rather than division within the force. He emphasized that the values ​​inherent in both religious observances – discipline, humility, sacrifice and compassion – reflect the ethical foundation of military service.

The Army Chief said the convergence of the two sacred periods served as a stark reminder that unity does not require uniformity, underscoring that collective resilience and shared commitment continue to define the operational effectiveness of the Army.

He paid tribute to the fallen heroes who lost their lives in defense of the nation, describing their courage and patriotism as lasting sources of inspiration for serving personnel. He said their sacrifices remain deeply rooted in the history and conscience of the Nigerian Army.

The message also recognized troops currently deployed in various theaters of operation, praising their dedication and professionalism despite operating in difficult conditions far from their families. He assured that their service and sacrifices would not go unnoticed, expressing hope for their safe return.

While reaffirming his leadership priorities, the Army chief stressed that the well-being of officers, soldiers and their families remains central to his command philosophy.

He promised continued efforts to improve living conditions, enhance professional development and strengthen support systems across the force.

He also recognized the role of other security agencies, stressing that inter-agency collaboration remains critical to maintaining national stability and achieving operational success in addressing security challenges.

The Army Chief also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support and strategic leadership, which he said has strengthened the operational effectiveness and institutional development of the Armed Forces.

He called on staff to uphold the lessons of Ramadan by embracing discipline, compassion and humility, while remaining committed to the defense of Nigeria’s peace, unity and sovereignty.

He prayed for peace, strength and divine guidance for all staff and their families, as well as wishing them a peaceful and fulfilling celebration of Eid el-Fitr.