Troops of Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIA II (OPAA II) deployed in the Republic of Benin on 28 May 2026 celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festivities during a Salah Luncheon organized in their honour under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu (NAM), who was ably represented at the occasion by the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, Colonel SA Yahaya.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of Mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Her Excellency Ambassador Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, commended the officers and soldiers of OPAA II for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty. She noted that their conduct and commitment had continued to strengthen the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin while positively projecting the image of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria within the multinational environment.
The Ambassador further appreciated the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff towards enhancing troop welfare and sustaining the operational effectiveness of personnel deployed outside the country. As part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and in demonstration of her goodwill towards the troops, Her Excellency donated one cow to the personnel of OPAA II.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, Colonel SA Yahaya conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu to the troops for their sacrifices, resilience, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He commended the troops for their dedication and for upholding the values and traditions of the Nigerian Army while serving in a multinational operational environment.
The COAS further urged the personnel to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the successful execution of their mandate while maintaining cordial relations with the host nation and other relevant stakeholders. He reassured the troops of the Nigerian Army leadership’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, operational effectiveness, and overall well-being wherever they may be deployed.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commanding Officer OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro, warmly welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, members of the diplomatic community, officers and men of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, as well as other distinguished guests to the occasion.
Lieutenant Colonel Ikoro described the gathering as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, morale, and operational cohesion. He expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his continuous support to troops deployed outside the shores of Nigeria and reaffirmed the commitment of OPAA II personnel towards the successful accomplishment of their mission in the Republic of Benin.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, senior officers, officers and men of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, as well as officers and soldiers of OPAA II.
Highlights of the occasion included goodwill interactions, entertainment, group photographs, and the sharing of Salah meals among troops and guests in an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
Troops of Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIA II (OPAA II) deployed in the Republic of Benin on 28 May 2026 celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festivities during a Salah Luncheon organized in their honour under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu (NAM), who was ably represented at the occasion by the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, Colonel SA Yahaya.In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of Mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Her Excellency Ambassador Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, commended the officers and soldiers of OPAA II for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty. She noted that their conduct and commitment had continued to strengthen the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin while positively projecting the image of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria within the multinational environment.The Ambassador further appreciated the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff towards enhancing troop welfare and sustaining the operational effectiveness of personnel deployed outside the country. As part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and in demonstration of her goodwill towards the troops, Her Excellency donated one cow to the personnel of OPAA II.Delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, Colonel SA Yahaya conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu to the troops for their sacrifices, resilience, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He commended the troops for their dedication and for upholding the values and traditions of the Nigerian Army while serving in a multinational operational environment.The COAS further urged the personnel to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the successful execution of their mandate while maintaining cordial relations with the host nation and other relevant stakeholders. He reassured the troops of the Nigerian Army leadership’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, operational effectiveness, and overall well-being wherever they may be deployed.Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commanding Officer OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro, warmly welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, members of the diplomatic community, officers and men of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, as well as other distinguished guests to the occasion.Lieutenant Colonel Ikoro described the gathering as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, morale, and operational cohesion. He expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his continuous support to troops deployed outside the shores of Nigeria and reaffirmed the commitment of OPAA II personnel towards the successful accomplishment of their mission in the Republic of Benin.The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, senior officers, officers and men of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, as well as officers and soldiers of OPAA II.Highlights of the occasion included goodwill interactions, entertainment, group photographs, and the sharing of Salah meals among troops and guests in an atmosphere of unity and celebration.