President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify their campaign against terrorism and other threats to national security, declaring his full backing for any operation aimed at defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 162nd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, held on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, Tinubu — represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima — reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capacity and welfare of the military.
In a strongly worded address, the President urged troops to rise to the challenge of defending the nation, assuring them of the federal government’s unflinching support.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President condemned the destructive activities of terrorists, bandits, and secessionist agitators, noting that their operations do not distinguish between religion or ethnicity.
> “These evils do not discriminate by tribe or faith. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking where they worship. Our response must be united, firm, and uncompromising,” he stated.
Tinubu praised the Nigerian Army for being a bulwark of national unity for over a century and a half, describing it as the “spine of Nigeria’s sovereignty.” He commended their roles in regional peacekeeping missions and applauded fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, while others still bear the wounds of war as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name,” he said.
The President reiterated that his administration will continue to invest in modern military equipment, intelligence, and training as part of a comprehensive strategy to boost national security.
“We cannot build a great army without first building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are the bedrock of national security,” Tinubu declared.
He also hailed the theme of this year’s Army Day celebration — “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive” — as a reflection of both strategic foresight and compassion for the men and women in uniform.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, highlighted the evolution of the Army over the last 162 years.
He noted that the military has undergone major reforms and is now equipped with modern technology, platforms, and professional doctrine to tackle any form of threat.
“We are certain of our capabilities in the present, and we shall use that as a strength to prepare for the uncertainties of tomorrow,” Oluyede said, calling on commanders to be audacious and tactical in operations.
The Army Chief also assured Nigerians that troops deployed across various regions are acting to protect, not to intimidate.
“Our deployment and activities are designed to protect and defend law-abiding citizens. We urge the public to cooperate with our efforts,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event included former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.); Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Senate President’s representative, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla; and former Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.).
The celebration marked another symbolic moment in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s military architecture, as the country continues to grapple with persistent insecurity across several regions.
“We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage her future to division, indifference, or delay. National security is a shared responsibility..
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