The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, on 28 May 2026 hosted the Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon with troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) at Central Primary School, Doma, Nasarawa State, reaffirming that efficient welfare remains a key component of his Command Philosophy.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu acting media information officer HQ operation Whirl Stroke issued to newsmen.
In a goodwill message to the troops, the COAS described Eid-el-Kabir as a period for reflection on faith, sacrifice, obedience and devotion to duty. He commended troops deployed across various theatres of operation for their loyalty, courage and resilience in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities threatening national security.
The COAS highlighted ongoing efforts to improve personnel welfare through enhanced accommodation, educational support for soldiers’ children, healthcare services and financial welfare packages. He assured troops of his unwavering commitment to addressing their welfare needs, stressing that their sacrifices would always be matched by the Army’s responsibility to support and uplift them.
He also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, said the event was organised to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of troops serving across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
As part of the celebration, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ahmad Aliyu Oga Onawo, who pledged continued support for security agencies and prayed for lasting peace across the country.
Highlights of the event included cultural displays, tug-of-war, refreshments, group photographs and a vote of thanks delivered by the Commander Sector 2 OPWS, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi.
