In a powerful message of solidarity and resolve,
the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has
heartily commended the extraordinary gallantry of Nigerian troops, assuring
serving personnel and families of the Armed Forces that their welfare and
honour remain top priority. The statement, released to journalists on Friday,
March 6, 2026, by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media
Operations, comes at a critical time when the military is recording significant
gains across all theatres of operation.
General Oluyede paid solemn tribute to the fallen
heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the fatherland, declaring
that their courage and patriotism will forever be etched in the nation's
memory. "To the families of the fallen and all serving personnel, the
Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) reaffirms its total and enduring commitment to
your welfare, care, and honour," the CDS stated. This reassurance is aimed
at boosting morale among troops in the field, signalling that the military
hierarchy stands firmly behind every soldier facing complex and dangerous
threats.
In a strong call to action, the public is strongly
encouraged to sustain and intensify support by providing timely and credible
intelligence to security agencies. Major General Onoja emphasized that
maintaining vigilance in communities and deliberately rejecting the spread of
unverified rumours is crucial. "Every accurate tip and every act of
responsible information-sharing directly contributes to the successes recorded
and accelerates the journey towards irreversible security gains," the
statement read.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also took the
opportunity to defend the integrity of its communication strategy against
hostile narratives. In recent times, adversaries have sought to exploit
disinformation to sow fear, division, and mistrust between the military and the
citizens they protect. The DHQ asserts that its media operations are strictly
dedicated to transparency and factual reporting, countering enemy propaganda
that aims to demoralize troops. "We will not allow false narratives to
undermine the confidence of our soldiers or the public," Major General Onoja stated. "The DHQ remains a beacon of truth, ensuring
that the brave deeds of our men and women are celebrated, not obscured by
lies."
Expressing deep appreciation to the resilient
Nigerian people, the CDS highlighted that their steadfast cooperation and
abiding trust have been indispensable to operational successes. He also thanked
the media and strategic stakeholders for consistently amplifying balanced
narratives that strengthen civil-military relations. The AFN has pledged to
deepen these vital collaborative partnerships and spare no effort in the
collective pursuit of lasting security for every citizen across the length and
breadth of the beloved country.
As operations continue across the Nigeria, the message from the
Defence Headquarters is clear: the military and the people are one. With
renewed commitment to welfare, honour, and truthful communication, the Armed
Forces of Nigeria march forward towards total victory.