Eid el-Fitr: CDS Oluyede urges unity, support for Armed Forces

By Kingsley Omonobi

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended warm felicitations to officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), as well as all Nigerians, 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 fasting period and urged personnel of the Armed Forces and Nigerians at large to uphold the spiritual values of Ramadan, including fear of God, honesty, tolerance, compassion, peace and mutual support.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity for reflection on the lessons of Ramadan, stressing that the virtues of prayer, sacrifice, charity and self-discipline remain vital for personal growth, national unity and cohesion within the Armed Forces.

The CDS noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully conscious of its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, describing the task as one that demands enormous sacrifice.

He paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country, while also acknowledging wounded personnel who continue to bear the burden of injuries sustained in the line of duty.

According to him, their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty will never be forgotten.

General Oluyede urged troops deployed across various theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic and courageous, noting that the evolving security environment requires the military to consolidate joint operations across the country, deepen operational synergy and sustain professionalism in addressing emerging threats.

He also assured personnel that their welfare and well-being remain a priority, promising continued efforts to improve administrative support, strengthen operational capabilities and create better conditions for troops to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The CDS further called on Nigerians to continue supporting the military in tackling the nation’s security challenges, emphasising that national defence is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of government institutions, communities and citizens in line with the whole-of-government approach.

He expressed confidence that through shared resolve and cooperation, Nigeria would continue to strengthen its security architecture and preserve the enduring values of its democracy.

General Oluyede also conveyed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the President’s commitment has been demonstrated through sustained enhancement of defence capabilities, operational resources and personnel welfare, all of which have further strengthened the Armed Forces’ capacity to safeguard national security and support stability across the country.

He wished all officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen, airwomen, civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and all Nigerians a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Fitr celebration.

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