Army Chief Urges Unity, Patriotism at 163rd Anniversary

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nam, has urged Nigerians to remain patriotic, united and supportive of the Armed Forces as the Nigerian Army begins activities marking its 163rd anniversary.

Speaking through the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday to announce the commencement of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), Nam said defeating terrorism, insurgency and other security threats requires the collective commitment of all Nigerians.

He described this year’s celebration as an opportunity to assess the Army’s operational strides, celebrate the dedication of its personnel and deepen public confidence in the military.

“This Army belongs to you; it is your Army. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” he said.

The Army chief noted that the week-long event, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” would also highlight the force’s resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in confronting the country’s evolving security challenges.

Tracing the Army’s history, Nam said the institution had grown from the Glover Hausas, an 18-man force established in 1863 by Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy, into a modern military organisation committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

He said the Army has continued to modernise its operations to respond to emerging threats, with troops currently deployed across various theatres where they are combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence and other criminal activities.

According to him, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, commemorates the events of July 6, 1967, while providing an avenue to review operational achievements and reaffirm the Army’s commitment to professionalism and national service.

Reviewing developments under his leadership over the past seven months, the COAS said the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, had recorded progress in operational effectiveness, personnel development, infrastructure renewal, civil-military relations and professional standards.

He said his command philosophy is centred on building a more professional, resilient and combat-ready Army capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency security environment.

Nam also highlighted efforts to improve the welfare of personnel through the “Soldier-First” initiative, alongside enhanced deployment strategies and the deployment of modern technology to strengthen military operations.

To reinforce manpower, he disclosed that a third training depot had been established at Amasiri Edda, creating capacity to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers for operations across the country.

The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to conducting its operations in line with the Constitution, rules of engagement and internationally accepted human rights standards.

He announced that activities for this year’s NADCEL include Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking engagements in secondary schools, a public lecture, literary competition awards, media interaction, medical and charity outreaches, as well as the inauguration of civil-military cooperation projects in Port Harcourt.

The celebration will climax on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, military equipment exhibition, research and development display, and the presentation of awards to deserving officers and soldiers.

Also scheduled to hold during the grand finale is the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026, which will bring together army chiefs, defence industry players, policymakers and security experts from across the continent to discuss emerging security issues and strengthen military cooperation.

Nam urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that national unity remains critical to overcoming the country’s security challenges.

“National unity and collective resolve remain our greatest strengths,” he said.