Nigerian Army Chief Urges Personnel to Remain Resilient Amidst Public Scrutiny

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has advised officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to remain steadfast and not be discouraged by public criticisms as they continue their efforts to combat insecurity across the nation.

General Shaibu delivered this message at a Special Easter Luncheon held for personnel of the Joint Task Force-Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) on Saturday in Jos.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, the COAS expressed gratitude for the personnel's sacrifices in ensuring the safety of Nigerians. He urged them to maintain professionalism in their conduct.

“We sincerely appreciate all your efforts. I know there are times you have been criticised; please, do not take that to heart. Instead, use it to reinforce yourself to do better for our country. Please, we should not be discouraged by what people say, for nothing comes easy,” he stated.

General Shaibu reaffirmed the commitment to continuously prioritize the welfare and well-being of personnel and their families, noting that such measures are crucial for eliciting optimal performance in the mission to end the nation's security challenges.

Earlier, the Commander of JTF-OPEP and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, Maj.-Gen. Folunsho Oyinlola, explained that the luncheon was organized to acknowledge and appreciate the officers and men involved in the operation.

General Oyinlola implored residents of Plateau State to consistently support the security forces, emphasizing that the ongoing campaign against insecurity is a shared responsibility.

He also extended thanks to the Plateau State Government for its support to the security agencies in their efforts to tackle insecurity within the state.

Furthermore, he specifically expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff and the COAS for their unwavering support, which enables the personnel of JTF-OPEP to successfully carry out their duties.