The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa Oluyede, has extended warm felicitations to officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on the occasion of the 2026 Eid El-Fitr celebration.
In a goodwill message marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, General Oluyede expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the successful completion of the sacred period, describing Ramadan as a time of prayer, sacrifice, discipline, and charity.
He urged personnel of the Armed Forces and Nigerians at large to sustain the virtues of fear of God, honesty, tolerance, compassion, peace, and mutual support imbibed during Ramadan, noting that these values are essential for personal growth and national unity.
The CDS acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. He paid tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price and those who sustained injuries in the line of duty, assuring that their courage and dedication would never be forgotten.
General Oluyede emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline, resilience, patriotism, and professionalism among troops currently deployed across various theatres of operation. He noted that the evolving security landscape requires enhanced joint operations, improved synergy, and a proactive approach to addressing emerging threats.
He further assured military personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve administrative support, strengthen operational capabilities, and create better working conditions.
The Defence Chief also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces, stressing that national security is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among government institutions, communities, and citizens.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support in strengthening defence capabilities, improving operational resources, and enhancing personnel welfare.
General Oluyede concluded by wishing all members of the Armed Forces and Nigerians a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Fitr celebration.
Eid Mubarak.
God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.