NADCEL 2025: Army committed to Nigerian security, perpetuity of democracy – COAS
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede says the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of democracy in the country.
He made the commitment during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
“In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues.
“Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty.
“In this vein, the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian People and the perpetuity of our democracy,” the Army chief said.
On the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Oluyede said it “provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of our national values”.
He added that the day provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the heroic contributions of officers and soldiers, past and present.
“This year, the Nigerian Army is celebrating 162 years of service to our great nation, Nigeria. That is over a century and a half of selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our beloved country.”
He said that the theme, ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive’, was carefully selected to espouse the renewed drive to transform the Army by placing “our soldiers first”.
The COAS noted that the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldiers in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Oluyede said on Friday 4 July 2025, there will be commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, free medical outreach programme and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach programme.
“On the same day, there will be public speaking engagement visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army Formations. On Saturday 5 July 2025, there will be a lecture at Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues and thereafter we will have the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition.
“In the evening of the same day, there will be a Gala Night with officers and soldiers at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna. The event will be rounded up with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on 6 July 2025 where we will witness a military parade, equipment display as well as the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.”
He appreciated the long-standing partnership with the media, which has significantly enhanced Army operations in recent times, and reaffirm commitment to maintaining cordial working relationships with the media, other security stakeholders and all well-meaning Nigerians.
