As part of efforts to celebrate the 2024 Christmas festivity, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede on 25 December 2025 had lunch with frontline troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Operation SAFE HAVEN.
The luncheon held at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos Plateau State and the Chief of Army Staff represented by the Commander Armoured Corps, Major General MS Ahmed in his goodwill message, felicitated with officers, and soldiers of the Nigerian Army along with members of their families on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
The Chief of Army Staff thanked the personnel of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and untiring commitment in tackling the numerous security challenges facing the country. The Army Chief further charged the troops to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that the constitutional responsibilities are achieved within a joint and multi-agency environment.
General Oluyede thanked the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army. The COAS vowed that the NA will remain committed, determined and focused in winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interests and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment.
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General AE Abubakar, celebrated the troops for the operational achievements recorded throughout the year. He, therefore tasked them to redouble their efforts as the challenges faced in the Joint Operations Area requires continuous vigilance and dedication.
The GOC urged troops to remain disciplined, loyal, vigilant and professional in their conduct this season and always. He equally appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa OFR and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM for their leadership and strategic guidance which have helped 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN record numerous operational successes using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
The event had in attendance heads of security agencies, serving and retired senior military officers, government functionaries, captains of industries amongst other notable dignitaries.
Highlights of the occasion were cultural dance performances by the Irigwe cultural troupe, National Youth Service Corps cultural troupe, symbolic serving of troops by the Chief of Army Staff, cutting of Christmas cake with troops, music performance, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.
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