The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, hosted frontline troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) at a Christmas luncheon in Plateau State, in a move aimed at boosting morale and reinforcing leadership’s solidarity with personnel in active operations.
Represented at the event by the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, the CDS conveyed warm Christmas greetings to the troops, describing the season as one of love, sacrifice, hope and renewal. He praised the officers and soldiers for their dedication and professionalism, noting that their commitment to duty during the festive period reflects the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Oluyede commended the troops for their performance under Operation ENDURING PEACE, stated that their efforts have helped restore public confidence and improve security across Plateau State and parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue States. He urged sustained collaboration with other security agencies and continuous engagement with local communities in line with a whole-of-government approach to security.
The CDS reassured the personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, healthcare delivery and family support. He also called for heightened vigilance throughout the festive period, while appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to military operations nationwide.
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General EF Oyinlola, thanked the CDS for identifying with troops during the Yuletide. He described the visit as a significant morale booster and outlined key operational achievements of the task force, including the neutralisation of criminal elements, arrests of suspected kidnappers and recovery of arms, which contributed to a relatively peaceful Christmas in the region.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS’s representative and other senior officers, underscoring leadership’s closeness to personnel on the frontlines.
