The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, remain united and continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling the country’s security challenges.
The appeal came as the Nigerian Army commenced activities to mark its 163rd anniversary, with the Army chief describing national unity and collective resolve as the country’s greatest strengths in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality.
Speaking through the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), he urged citizens to remain law-abiding and play active roles in promoting peace and national development.
“This Army belongs to you; it is your Army. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” the COAS said.
He said this year’s NADCEL, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” would provide an opportunity to reflect on the Army’s operational performance, celebrate its achievements and reinforce the relationship between the military and the Nigerian people.
According to him, the week-long celebration also offers a platform to showcase the resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment of Nigerian Army personnel in addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
“Since its establishment in 1863, the Nigerian Army had remained committed to defending Nigeria against external aggression, safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, securing its borders and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order,” Nam noted.
He recalled that the Army originated from a small force of 18 indigenes known as the Glover Hausas, established by Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy before evolving through different stages into the present-day Nigerian Army following Nigeria’s attainment of republican status in 1963.
He said the Army had continued to adapt to changing security realities by modernising its capabilities and expanding its operational footprint across the country.
He stated that troops were currently engaged in multiple operations nationwide, where they had continued to degrade the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other non-state actors threatening national peace and stability.
The COAS described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, as a significant occasion that commemorates the events of July 6, 1967, while also serving as an avenue for institutional reflection, operational assessment and renewed commitment to professionalism.
Reviewing developments since assuming office seven months ago, Nam said the Nigerian Army, working in synergy with other security agencies, had recorded notable progress in operations, manpower development, infrastructure renewal, professionalism and civil-military relations.
He said his command philosophy is anchored on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
The COAS added that the Army had placed priority on the welfare of its personnel through its “Soldier-First” initiative, while also improving deployment strategies and leveraging modern technology to enhance operational effectiveness.
As part of efforts to strengthen manpower, he disclosed that the Army had established a third training depot at Amasiri Edda, which would enable the recruitment and training of an additional 28,000 personnel to reinforce operations against insecurity nationwide.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities in strict compliance with the rules of engagement and internationally recognised human rights standards.
He announced that activities lined up for NADCEL 2026 include Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking engagements in secondary schools, a lecture, literary competition awards, media interaction, charity and medical outreach programmes, as well as the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects in Port Harcourt.
The celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition and commendation awards for deserving officers and soldiers.
The grand finale will also feature the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026, which is expected to bring together army chiefs, defence industry stakeholders, policymakers and security experts from across Africa and beyond to promote collaboration, innovation and strategic dialogue on defence and security.
The Army chief urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in safeguarding the country’s peace and stability.
“National unity and collective resolve remain our greatest strengths,” he said.
