Envoy Hails Troops for Boosting Nigeria’s Reputation in Benin as COAS Hosts Eid Celebration

Envoy Hails Troops for Boosting Nigeria’s Reputation in Benin as COAS Hosts Eid Celebration

Troops of Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIA II (OPAA II) deployed in the Republic of Benin have been commended for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty, which have continued to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin while projecting a positive image of the country abroad.

The commendation came from Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, during a Salah luncheon organised in honour of the troops on May 28, 2026, as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The event was held under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu, who was represented by the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, Colonel S.A. Yahaya.

Speaking at the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Adeola-Ibrahim praised the officers and soldiers of OPAA II for their exemplary conduct and commitment in a multinational operational environment. According to her, their professionalism has continued to foster cordial relations between both countries while enhancing the reputation of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria as a whole.

She also acknowledged the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff in promoting troop welfare and sustaining the operational effectiveness of personnel deployed outside Nigeria. In a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the troops during the festive season, the ambassador donated a cow to the OPAA II personnel.

Delivering the goodwill message of the COAS, Colonel Yahaya conveyed Lieutenant General Shaibu’s appreciation to the troops for their sacrifices, resilience, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He commended the personnel for upholding the core values and traditions of the Nigerian Army while serving in a multinational environment and urged them to remain focused and committed to the successful execution of their mandate.

The COAS, through his representative, also encouraged the troops to sustain cordial relationships with the host nation and other relevant stakeholders, assuring them of the Nigerian Army leadership’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, operational effectiveness, and overall well-being wherever they are deployed.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Ikoro, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his continued support to troops serving beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He described the gathering as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, morale, and operational cohesion, while reaffirming the determination of OPAA II personnel to successfully accomplish their mission in the Republic of Benin.

The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, senior military officers, personnel of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, and officers and soldiers of OPAA II.

Highlights of the celebration included goodwill interactions, entertainment, group photographs, and the sharing of Salah meals among troops and guests in an atmosphere marked by unity, camaraderie, and festivity.

By PRNigeria