The Nigerian Army’s contributions to national security and regional peace took centre stage on Monday as President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the force through sustained investment and modernisation.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 held at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the President described the army as a formidable institution whose legacy of courage, professionalism and operational excellence continues to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty while promoting peace and stability across Africa and the global community.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the Nigerian Army remains a critical pillar of the country’s security architecture and a respected contributor to regional interventions and United Nations peace support operations.
“The Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated resilience, discipline and operational excellence. From its early engagements in global conflicts to its leadership in regional interventions and United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Army has continued to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty while reinforcing peace and stability across Africa and beyond,” the President said.
He pledged continued government support for the Army’s transformation agenda through enhanced troop welfare, acquisition of modern equipment and improved operational capabilities to confront emerging security threats.
Tinubu also commended the successful hosting of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as a strategic platform for strengthening military cooperation, encouraging innovation and enhancing collective responses to contemporary security challenges.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Tinubu said it underscored the enduring relationship between the military and the citizens it serves.
He paid tribute to fallen military personnel whose sacrifices have preserved the nation’s unity and assured their families of the Federal Government’s continued support.
The President further applauded ongoing efforts to boost indigenous defence production, improve intelligence sharing and integrate emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, into military operations.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara praised the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
He acknowledged the Army’s role in protecting critical national assets, preserving law and order and creating an enabling environment for economic development.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Army, particularly the 6 Division, to address security challenges across the region.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Nigerian Army’s responsibility goes beyond winning battles to ensuring lasting peace, protecting national interests and securing the country’s future.
“The Nigerian Army’s responsibility extends beyond battlefield victories to sustaining peace, defending national interests and securing the future of the nation. We have remained resolute in adapting to evolving threats through professionalism, resilience and patriotism,” Shaibu said.
He disclosed that the Army would continue to pursue an ambitious modernisation programme centred on capability enhancement, equipment renewal, infrastructure development and the deployment of advanced operational platforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Army Chief stressed that addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach driven by stronger collaboration among the military, government institutions, international partners and citizens.
The colourful grand finale featured a military parade, tactical demonstrations, equipment displays and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards to outstanding personnel.
The event also showcased a Research and Development Exhibition highlighting the Nigerian Army’s advances in indigenous innovation and defence technology, underscoring its preparedness to tackle present and future security challenges.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were former Presidents General Yakubu Gowon and General Olusegun Obasanjo, Chiefs of Army Staff from 17 African countries, the Special Adviser to the President of Liberia, members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as former Chiefs of Defence Staff and former Chiefs of Army Staff.
