The Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, 25 December 2025, celebrated frontline troops with a special Christmas lunch in Plateau State, in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement signed by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom who is the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, the colourful event, hosted by Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), brought together officers, soldiers, their families, and invited guests in an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and festive cheer. The event featured vibrant cultural dance displays reflecting Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, as well as other morale-boosting activities aimed at easing the burden of frontline duties during the yuletide.
In his goodwill message, the CDS extended warm Christmas greetings to the troops, expressing delight at celebrating the yuletide season with personnel of 3 Division and JTF OPEP. He described Christmas as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation. The CDS remarked that while many Nigerians celebrate with their families, frontline troops remain steadfast in performing their oath to God and country, standing as the wall that never breaks and the hope that can never be shattered. He commended their selfless service, courage, and professionalism in executing Operation ENDURING PEACE, which has contributed significantly to restoring public confidence and stabilising Plateau State and adjoining areas of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, and noted that the nation owes them immense gratitude.
The CDS further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, reminding them that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security. He called for continued collaboration with sister security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, whose trust is essential to achieving enduring peace. He reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare, and support families. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide. The CDS reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with sister security agencies, remain resolute and relentless in combating terrorism, defending democracy, and safeguarding the nation, vowing that the military will continue to act boldly, decisively, and with unwavering commitment to duty.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, represented by the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, echoed similar sentiments, saluting frontline troops for their selfless sacrifices and reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness, and personnel welfare, in line with his command philosophy. He also appreciated the support of military families, sister services, and key stakeholders.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, highlighted operational successes recorded under Operation PEACE SHIELD, including the neutralisation of criminals, arrests of kidnappers, and recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to a relatively peaceful yuletide across the Joint Operations Area.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS, the representative of the COAS, and other senior dignitaries, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and boosting troop morale.
The event concluded with renewed calls for discipline, unity, and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining vigilant in the defence of the nation.
Meanwhile, the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom in a separate media release had also confirmed as part of the decisive phase of the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD that the troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have sustained robust offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the yuletide period.
According to the statement, in the early hours of 25 December 2025, troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a decisive operation at Gwande Community, Monguna District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops made contact with a group of armed bandits who were mobilising to launch an attack on a nearby community. The troops swiftly engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray.
In the subsequent exchange of gunfire, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the criminals include one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, 9 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 6 cartridges.
Preliminary feedback from the community confirmed that the neutralised bandit was a member of a notorious criminal syndicate that has been terrorising Gwande Community and its environs. Consequently, troops have intensified follow-up operations to track down, intercept, and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
The 3 Division/JTF OPEP reassure law-abiding residents of Plateau State of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area are hereby warned to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face decisive military action, as troops remain resolute, vigilant, and prepared to deal ruthlessly with any threat to peace and security.
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