In a powerful affirmation of duty, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared the Nigerian Army's unwavering and unshakable commitment to defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The army chief made this pledge in his official Christmas message to troops across the country on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Christmas Message: A Time for Reflection and Renewed Resolve
Addressing officers, soldiers, civilian staff, and their families, General Shaibu extended heartfelt seasonal greetings. He stated that the Christmas period offers a moment for reflection, renewal of faith, and thanksgiving. The COAS emphasized that the virtues celebrated at Christmas—love, sacrifice, compassion, peace, and unity—are deeply aligned with the core ethos and values of the Nigerian Army.
Beyond the festive goodwill, the Army Chief outlined a clear operational roadmap. He pledged that under his leadership, the army would remain sharply focused on improving counterinsurgency strategies and strengthening its intelligence architecture. He promised concerted efforts to bolster professionalism and ensure the combat readiness of the force through several key pillars:
- Sound administration and enhanced personnel welfare.
- Recognition of excellence among troops.
- An efficient and fair reward and sanction system.
In a solemn tribute, Shaibu also remembered the nation's fallen heroes, whose gallantry and ultimate sacrifice have contributed to a safer Nigeria. He assured that their memory is honored by continuing to care for their families and ensuring their sacrifices are never in vain.
Strategic Directive: Securing Army Lands for Future Growth
In a related strategic development, the COAS has issued a firm directive to all Army Commanders to secure and preserve the various Nigerian Army landed properties nationwide. This order was given during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday, December 24.
General Shaibu stressed that preserving all army lands for the construction of additional barracks infrastructure is imperative as the strength of the Nigerian Army continues to grow. He explained that the full implementation of the Nigerian Army Order of Battle depends on planning for future force locations, making land preservation a strategic requirement.
He specifically directed the Nigerian Army Properties Limited to ensure all land documents and Certificates of Occupancy are properly preserved and gazetted. This move aims to prevent future encroachments and legal disputes.
Addressing the Accommodation Deficit
The construction of the new barracks phase is a direct response to the accommodation challenges within the force. President Bola Tinubu had commissioned Phase I of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks on January 23, 2025, which was built to accommodate 614 personnel. The ongoing Phase II, upon completion, will house an additional 1,800 personnel.
Furthermore, as a stopgap measure to tackle the current dearth of accommodation, the COAS recently approved the construction of 2 units of 30-Family accommodation blocks in each of the Nigerian Army Divisions. This initiative was part of the assurances he gave during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, where he promised to complete all ongoing residential projects and initiate new ones promptly.
Through these combined messages of seasonal solidarity and concrete administrative action, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has reinforced the Nigerian Army's dual focus: maintaining unwavering operational commitment to the nation while ensuring the welfare and logistical support of the personnel who serve on the front lines.
