- COAS General Taoreed Shuaibu commended the resilience and dedication of JTF-OPEP troops protecting Plateau State from insecurity
- He highlighted soldiers’ sacrifices, discipline, and endurance, noting many remain in challenging deployments away from their families
- JTF-OPEP leaders urged community cooperation, reinforcing the importance of unity between civilians and military in ensuring peace and stability
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Taoreed Shuaibu, has commended troops of the Joint Task Force – Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) for their unwavering commitment and resilience in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Plateau State.
The commendation came during an Eid-el-Fitr luncheon held on Friday in Jos, where the COAS celebrated the sacrifices and dedication of soldiers deployed across various operational theatres. General Shuaibu was represented at the event by Major-General Isa Abdullahi, Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army.
“We want to commend our troops for the commitment and resilience towards ensuring a peaceful society,” Shuaibu said. “These are also the moral foundations of military service; the discipline required to deny oneself comfort, the resilience to endure hardship and commitment to spiritual and moral renewal. These are the qualities that shape not only the faithful but also the professional soldier.”
He expressed gratitude for the soldiers’ continued service, noting that many remain stationed in challenging environments, far from their families, while safeguarding national security. “As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, many of our comrades remain resilient and unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and protecting the lives of our citizens. Their endurance, sacrifice and courage is highly commendable,” Shuaibu added.
The COAS also assured troops and their families of continued improvements in welfare, stressing that the well-being of military personnel extends beyond the provision of equipment.
Earlier, Major-General Folunsho Oyinlola, Commander of JTF-OPEP, expressed appreciation to the COAS for organising the luncheon. He paid tribute to officers and soldiers who had recently lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration. “Though we regret the loss of some of our officers and men, it will not deter us from continuing the fight against insecurity,” Oyinlola said.
He also called on residents of Plateau and surrounding communities to support the military and other security agencies in tackling all forms of criminal activity. “Community cooperation is vital to ensuring peace and stability in the state,” he emphasised.