The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated that efficient welfare for personnel remained central to his command philosophy as he hosted troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) during an Eid-el-Kabir luncheon held in Doma, Nasarawa State.
The event, held on 28 May 2026 at Central Primary School, Doma, was attended by senior military officers and troops deployed across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States under Operation WHIRL STROKE.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS described Eid-el-Kabir as a period of reflection on faith, sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to duty. He commended troops for their resilience and professionalism in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other security threats across the country.
He also reaffirmed ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to enhance troop welfare through improved accommodation, educational support for soldiers’ children, access to healthcare services, and strengthened financial welfare packages. According to him, the sacrifices of personnel in the field must continue to be matched with sustained institutional support.
The Army Chief further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued backing of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Earlier in his remarks, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, said the celebration was organised to appreciate troops for their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining security within the operational theatre.
As part of the programme, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ahmad Aliyu Oga Onawo, who pledged continued traditional support for security agencies and prayed for sustained peace in the region.
The event featured cultural displays, a tug-of-war competition, refreshments, group photographs, and a vote of thanks delivered by the Commander, Sector 2 OPWS, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi.
