The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation while prioritising the welfare of its personnel, declaring that soldiers remain the institution’s greatest asset as the Army marked the commencement of activities for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The COAS made the declaration in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Maxwell Dangana, during the NADCEL 2026 Interdenominational Church Service held on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Addressing officers, soldiers, civilian staff, veterans and their families, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary as a significant milestone that offers an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness, honour fallen heroes, celebrate institutional achievements and renew the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Our personnel remain the Nigerian Army’s most valuable asset,” the Army Chief stated. “Accordingly, we have continued to prioritise troop welfare by improving accommodation, healthcare services, training opportunities, educational support and other welfare initiatives. We remain committed to creating an environment where every officer and soldier can serve with dignity, confidence and pride while their families receive the support they deserve.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the COAS said the theme reflects the Army’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the nation while maintaining the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.
“The theme is a clarion call for introspection, renewal and rededication. It reminds us that our primary constitutional mandate is deeply intertwined with the safety, prosperity and trust of the Nigerian citizens we have sworn to protect,” he said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that despite the complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, troops have continued to achieve significant operational successes against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities across various theatres of operation.
“Through the dedication, courage and professionalism of our officers and soldiers, several criminal elements have been neutralised, terrorist enclaves dismantled, hostages rescued and normalcy restored to communities. These successes have been achieved through the collective efforts of our personnel working in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders,” he stated.
The Army Chief commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline and professionalism, assuring them that his command philosophy remains focused 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 multi-agency environment.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s approval for increased recruitment into the Nigerian Army under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the initiative would strengthen the Army’s operational capacity to tackle evolving security threats.
“We are committed to ensuring that these young Nigerians are adequately trained, properly equipped and professionally developed to meet the demands of military service and contribute meaningfully to national security,” he said.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes, the COAS urged personnel never to forget the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, while also recognising wounded personnel, veterans and the families of serving troops for their steadfast support.
“Their courage, patriotism and selfless service remain a source of inspiration to us all,” he said. “Your unwavering support, patience, understanding and sacrifices constitute a critical pillar of our operational success. The Nigerian Army remains grateful for your enduring commitment and resilience.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu equally expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support, strategic guidance and commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities and welfare of the Armed Forces.
Calling on the congregation to pray for Nigeria, its leaders and troops deployed in various operational theatres, the COAS urged personnel to remain steadfast in the Army’s core values of loyalty, discipline, integrity, selfless service and professionalism.
“As we gather in worship today, let us offer prayers for our nation, for our leaders, for members of the Armed Forces and for all those deployed in defence of our country. Let us pray for divine wisdom, protection, peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria,” he charged.
Delivering the sermon titled “Military Service as a Prophetic Call to Protect Nigerians,” Brigadier General A.F. Maimagani described military service as a divine vocation that demands courage, sacrifice, righteousness and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and preserving peace. He urged personnel to see their profession not merely as a career but as a sacred calling to serve humanity with integrity, compassion and fear of God, stressing that enduring national peace can only be achieved when service is anchored on faith, justice and selfless dedication.
The interdenominational church service set the spiritual tone for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, bringing together serving and retired personnel, families and well-wishers in thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness over the past 163 years. It also reinforced the Army’s resolve to remain a professional, people-centred and combat-ready force committed to protecting the nation and serving Nigerians with honour, courage and unwavering dedication.
