The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, sacrifice, and collective responsibility as Muslims across the country celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Minister said the celebration symbolises supreme sacrifice, unwavering faith, and obedience to the will of God.
General Musa urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of devotion and selflessness, stressing that national peace and progress require a shared commitment from all citizens.
“The peace and progress of our nation require a shared commitment,” the Minister stated. “In the spirit of this holy season, let us transcend our differences and join hands in keeping faith with the ideals of a strong, secure, and indivisible Nigeria.”
The Defence Minister also paid tribute to officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their courage and dedication in defending the country against insecurity and criminal activities across various theatres of operation.
He commended the troops for their resilience and patriotism, noting that while many Nigerians celebrate with their families, security personnel remain on the frontlines to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“While we celebrate in the comfort of our homes, we must remember and pray for our gallant troops who remain on the frontlines to ensure our safety,” he said.
General Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to improving the welfare, support, and operational capabilities of the military in order to decisively tackle all threats to national peace and security.
He further called on citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities, emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility.
The Minister also extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians, wishing them a peaceful and blessed celebration.
