May 18, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army on Monday honoured the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and troops wounded in action as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, presented Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Cheques to families of deceased personnel and injured troops during the opening ceremony of the 2026 First Bi-Annual Conference in Abuja.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, highlighted the Army’s commitment to supporting its personnel and recognising the sacrifices made in the defence of the nation.
Presenting the cheques, the Army Chief described the gesture as part of the institution’s unwavering resolve to stand by the families of fallen heroes and ensure that wounded personnel receive continued care and support.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who laid down their lives for the country would never be forgotten, noting that their courage and patriotism remain a source of inspiration to Nigerians.
Declaring the conference open, the COAS stressed that the trust, confidence and sustained support of Nigerians are critical to the success of ongoing military operations and the restoration of lasting peace across the country.
He explained that the conference serves as a strategic platform for military commanders and senior officers to review operational activities in the first half of 2026, assess progress made in various theatres of operation and develop new strategies for the remainder of the year.
According to him, deliberations at the conference would focus on operational readiness, emerging security threats and measures aimed at improving the effectiveness of troops across the country.
The Army Chief commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, professionalism and gallantry in tackling the nation’s complex security challenges, despite difficult operational conditions.
He paid glowing tribute to personnel who lost their lives in active service, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices remain the foundation of Nigeria’s unity, peace and territorial integrity.
Reaffirming his “Soldier First Concept,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said the welfare, morale, training and empowerment of personnel remain central to sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving military objectives.
He urged commanders at all levels to maintain close interaction with troops under their command to strengthen morale, discipline and combat readiness.
Highlighting ongoing reforms and transformation efforts within the Nigerian Army, the COAS disclosed that the service is expanding its operational presence nationwide through the establishment of new formations and units.
He added that the Army has also intensified recruitment efforts, upgraded infrastructure, improved welfare packages and enhanced healthcare services for personnel and their families.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further stated that prompt medical evacuation arrangements, both within and outside Nigeria, remain a key aspect of the Army’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of wounded personnel.
The conference is expected to provide an opportunity for military leadership to strengthen operational coordination and chart a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s evolving security challenges in the months ahead.
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