COAS tasks personnel on core values, holds special Easter luncheon in Anambra 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged officers and soldiers to remain guided by the core values of honour, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law while discharging constitutional duties.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday during a special Easter luncheon organized for soldiers of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Anambra state and troops of Operation Udoka stationed at Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

He emphasisd that the welfare of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army remains priority of his command philosophy, with ongoing efforts to improve living conditions, enhance professional development, and strengthen support systems for families.

The Army boss assured that every member of the Nigerian Army would be treated with dignity, fairness, and care.

He observed that life has gradually returned to Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra which he said was like a ghost town before, noting that the development is a testament that the troops are doing the needful in ensuring that law-abiding Nigerians go about their normal business without fear.

The Army Chief, represented by Maj.-Gen.Thompson Ugiagbe, extended warm Easter greetings to Christian soldiers and their families, saying that the Easter season is a period of retrospection, spiritual rebirth, hope, and sacrifice.

He noted that the 2026 Easter celebration was symbolic as it coincided with the Ramadan fasting period, underscoring unity among soldiers of different faiths, while acknowledging the contributions of sister security and intelligence agencies in sustaining national stability.

Speaking to journalists, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, and Force Commander, Joint Task Force, South East, Operation Udoka, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, said they have achieved a lot in their operations, which they will sustain.

According to him, they are working with the local communities, and life has returned to the communities.

The Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Madaki Yakubu, thanked the Army Chief for the visit, which, according to him, will motivate them to do more.

He assured that they would continue to do their best to rid the South East of criminal elements.

The Army Chief, Maj.-Gen. Fadairo, Col. Yakubu, and other top military officers took time to serve meals to the soldiers.

They also inspected various weapons recovered from criminal elements terrorizing Orsumoghu and its environs, supervised troops’ operations at Ihiteukwa in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State.

The Operations Officer, Sector 5, Operation Udoka, Maj. Abubakar Avuya, thanked the Army Chief for finding time to celebrate the Easter luncheon with them, saying that the visit has boosted their morale and reaffirmed their commitment to serving Nigeria.