By Nkechi Eze
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has directed troops to ramp up their efforts in fighting crime, emphasizing the need to aggressively pursue and eliminate threats, no matter where they may be hiding.
He made this statement during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and maiden award evening for soldiers, ratings, and airmen in Abuja, on Sunday 12th January 2025, at the Mogadishu Cantonment.
According to Gen. Musa, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, now Armed Forces celebration and Remembrance Day, is a solemn occasion that provides a moment for profound reflection on the ultimate sacrifices made by military veterans, fallen heroes, and soldiers who continue to serve our nation.
“Your exceptional courage and dedication embody the very essence of soldiering, especially as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Our great nation is indebted to your service, loyalty and legacy” he said.
Emphasizing the need for vigilance and a strong commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity, the CDS called for a more proactive approach to tackling security challenges nationwide.
Issuing a clarion call to troops, Gen. Musa emphasized that 2025 is the year they must deliver tangible results in the fight against insecurity, making a meaningful impact in their operations.
“We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.
“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. I’ve encouraged all our commanders; this year, we must make a great difference in all our operations. We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them. I equally want to use this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the families of our servicemen and women. Thank you so much for holding forth the home front and for the many sacrifices you continue to make that are invaluable” he said.
Lt. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, in his address emphasized the crucial role of the military in maintaining peace and stability in the country. He reminded troops of their solemn oath to serve Nigeria with unwavering loyalty and unshakeable resolve. This call to action underscores the importance of the military’s commitment to protecting the nation and upholding its territorial integrity.
“We must not lose sight of the oath we took to be dutiful, faithful, and loyal servicemen and women.
“We must go wherever lawfully sent—by land, sea, or air. We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” Oluyede said.
While emphasizing on the importance of military personnel supporting the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Nigerians, Oluyede stressed that their dedication and commitment are vital to realizing the country’s goals and aspirations, ultimately contributing to national development and prosperity.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, during his address reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and operational effectiveness of its personnel. According to Vice Admiral Ogalla, this commitment underscores the Navy’s priority on supporting its troops and maintaining peak performance in their operations.
“We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the necessary equipment to tackle the challenges ahead,” Ogalla averred.
“The Nigerian Navy will also continue to rejig our operations by introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities”
The CNS emphasized that these measures will bolster the military’s capacity to counter threats and gain the upper hand against criminal elements.
The Chief of Air staff in Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Administration (NAF) AVM Idi Sani, in his remarks, encouraged the awardees to consistently embody the core values of honor, courage, and service in all their endeavors.
“I want to emphasize the importance of discipline and professionalism in all our endeavors, our actions, both on and off duty, reflect on the Armed Forces as an institution, let us continue to exemplify the core values of honor, courage and service in everything we do.
“To our award recipients this evening, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your outstanding contributions and exceptional performance inspire us all.
“Your achievements are a reminder of the limitless potential within each of us to excel and make a difference. As we commemorate this occasion, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of duty, loyalty, and patriotism. Let us also remember that the strength of our Armed Forces lies in our unity, discipline, and shared vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
According to the CAS, as the nation continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, its security agencies remains vigilant and committed to protecting the country and its people.
“Our joint actions have led to remarkable successes in counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and other critical national assignments.”
This synergy is a model of what teamwork and shared purpose can achieve. “As we look ahead, the Nigerian Air Force, under my leadership, remains committed to ensuring the welfare, training, and operational readiness of all our personnel. We recognize that a well-motivated and highly trained force is the backbone of our success.
“The ongoing modernization of our platforms and infrastructure will further enhance our capabilities to address emerging threats effectively. I also want to emphasize the importance of discipline and professionalism in all our endeavors. Our actions, both on and off duty, reflect on the Armed Forces as an institution.” he said
Highlights of the event was the vibrant display of cultural performances and thrilling musical acts by Nigeria’s top artists.
