The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty, democracy, and socio-cultural heritage against threats posed by terrorists and other agents of instability.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday ahead of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), Oluyede, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Chibuisi Gold, stated that the Nigerian Army had consistently risen to the occasion to deny terrorists the opportunity to disrupt national peace and unity.
“In recent times, our nation has had to contend with enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and triggered various internal security challenges,” Oluyede said. “The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the sustenance of our democracy.”
Highlighting the significance of the Army Day Celebration, Oluyede said the event offers a platform to showcase the Army’s achievements and foster stronger collaboration with stakeholders in the quest to uphold national peace, security, and values.
The 2025 celebration, themed “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,” reflects the Army’s commitment to enhancing its operations by prioritizing the welfare and development of personnel.
“The Nigerian Army, as an instrument of national unity and development, has made remarkable progress in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement—all aimed at better equipping soldiers to fulfill their constitutional roles,” he noted.
Oluyede also recalled that the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Army and honors the heroism of officers and soldiers, past and present. It also marks the historic first shot fired at Garkem, symbolizing the Army’s enduring legacy.
He concluded by affirming that the Nigerian Army has continued to grow in strength and capacity, overcoming the challenges faced by each generation in its pursuit of national security and unity.
