President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Army to remain unwavering in its fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations, describing the threats as “existential” and demanding a “united, firm, and uncompromising response.”
Speaking on Sunday through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held at the Murtala Square in Kaduna, the President gave what he termed a clear mandate to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to “take decisive action” against those endangering Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation. You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers,” Tinubu declared.
The NADCEL 2025 event, which marked the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, was themed “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.”
The President described the occasion as both a time of reflection and a moment to honour the sacrifices of soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for the country’s stability.
“These are existential threats that require a united, firm, and uncompromising response,” Tinubu stressed. “These evils do not discriminate — they destroy churches and mosques alike, and orphans children without asking their tribe or faith.
He acknowledged the longstanding role of the Army in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, recalling its role in bringing the Nigerian Civil War to an end, quoting the words, “no victor, no vanquished,” as a reminder of the country’s shared destiny.
The President praised the Army’s ongoing reforms and its contributions to peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond. He assured troops that his administration would continue to prioritise their needs through sustained investment in modern weapons systems, intelligence capabilities, and the welfare and development of personnel.
“We are not oblivious to the challenges that confront our nation. But let it be said plainly: our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising. I assure you that this administration stands firmly with you on that path,” he stated.
Tinubu also paid heartfelt tribute to soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty as well as those living with injuries sustained while defending the nation.
“Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty. Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name. Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations,” the President said.
He extended his condolences to bereaved families and expressed appreciation to organisations like the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) for their continuous support.
President Tinubu specifically commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his professional leadership of the Nigerian Army.
“They have fought for peace and stood for principle,” he added, while urging all troops to continue to operate with honour, discipline, and a deep sense of justice.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, traced the evolution of the Nigerian Army from its establishment in 1863 to its current structure, highlighting both technological advancement and institutional reforms. He emphasised that the Army’s greatest asset remains its personnel.
“The most enduring legacy of the Nigerian Army is the indomitable spirit, valour and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian soldier,” Oluyede said.
He noted that the 2025 NADCEL theme focuses on placing the soldier at the centre of the Army’s transformation agenda.
“We cannot build a great army without well-motivated and well-trained soldiers. Their willpower, morale, and sense of purpose are the bedrock of national security,” he stated.
General Oluyede also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation, pointing out that such collaboration has successfully thwarted repeated attempts by criminal groups to seize territory within Nigeria.
The grand finale featured tactical displays, exhibitions of military equipment, and colourful parades.
It was attended by several dignitaries, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, other service chiefs, former Army chiefs, lawmakers, and traditional rulers.
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