From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Nigerian Armed Forces of his full backing to confront and decisively defeat all threats to the nation’s peace and unity, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations.
Speaking on Sunday at the Grand Finale of the 162nd Nigerian Army Day Celebration held at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military.
President Tinubu said his government will continue to invest in modern equipment, intelligence, and human capital to ensure that military personnel are well equipped to discharge their duties.
“For 162 years, the Nigerian Army has stood as the spine of our nation’s sovereignty, shaping the course of its history.”
“To the men and women of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces more broadly, I reaffirm my administration’s unwavering commitment to your welfare and operational capacity.
“We will continue to invest in modern equipment, in intelligence, and in the human capital that drives your effectiveness. This is not a favour—it is a duty owed to those who defend us.”
Commending the theme of this year’s Army Day celebration—“Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”—President Tinubu described it as a reflection of both strategic thinking and compassion.
“You cannot build a great army without first building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts—they are the bedrock of national security,” he said.
Paying glowing tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Tinubu praised the gallantry of troops who continue to raise Nigeria’s flag high on peacekeeping missions around the world while fighting for peace at home.
He added, “Today, we honour the enduring sacrifice of these men and women. We honour those who have paid the supreme price.
“And we honour those who continue to wear the uniform, standing at the gates of our democracy, shielding us from those who would tear it down.”
While acknowledging the persistent security threats facing the country, Tinubu stressed that these dangers are not just security challenges but existential threats that demand a unified and firm response.
“These evils do not discriminate by tribe or faith. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking where they worship. Therefore, our response must be united, firm, and uncompromising,” the President said.
He said, “To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with clarity: the time to rise is now.
“You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation. You have my confidence, my support, and my prayers. And I know that you have the resolve to prevail.”
He also extended condolences to the families of fallen heroes and promised that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
He said, “Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation; others still bear the wounds of war. To the families they left behind, we offer our deepest sympathies. Their memory will endure. Their blood was not spilled in vain.”
President Tinubu reminded all stakeholders that the task of building a peaceful and united Nigeria is not the job of soldiers alone but a shared responsibility of all citizens, leaders, and institutions.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage her future to division, indifference, or delay,” he said, while commending the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his leadership and commitment to professionalism.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff said the Nigerian Army had undergone substantial transformation in over 160 years, with a renewed focus on modern equipment, platforms, and capabilities.
He urged field commanders to remain bold, strategic, and mission-driven, saying: “Every operation must be geared towards one clear objective—the nation’s success.”
Dignitaries present at the event included former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia; and Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Others included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
