Army Chief reaffirms Commitment to troop welfare, professionalism 

Shaibu pledged in a goodwill message delivered during the interdenominational church service held on Sunday as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Abuja.

Addressing officers, soldiers, civilian staff, veterans and their families, the Army Chief described the anniversary as an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness, reflect on the institution’s long history of service and renew the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.

He noted that the Nigerian Army has, for more than 163 years, remained a symbol of patriotism, resilience, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to national service despite increasingly complex security challenges.

According to him, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” reflects the Army’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property while strengthening public trust.

Shaibu said troops remain actively deployed across various theatres of operation where they continue to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality threatening national peace and stability.

He stated that despite the difficult operating environment, the Army has continued to record significant operational successes through the dedication and professionalism of its personnel.

The COAS said troops had neutralised criminal elements, dismantled terrorist enclaves, rescued kidnapped victims and restored normalcy to several affected communities through coordinated operations with sister services, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

He commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline and commitment to duty, describing their sacrifices as central to the Army’s achievements in safeguarding the country.

Shaibu said his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint multi-agency security framework.

He explained that the philosophy emphasises leadership, professionalism, operational excellence and personnel welfare, anchored on what he described as the “Soldier First” culture.

According to him, the welfare of military personnel remains a top priority because soldiers constitute the Army’s greatest asset.

He disclosed that the Army has continued to improve accommodation, healthcare services, educational support, training opportunities and other welfare programmes aimed at ensuring officers and soldiers serve with dignity, confidence and pride while providing adequate support for their families.

The Army Chief also revealed that the Nigerian Army has witnessed a significant increase in recruitment following the directive of President Bola  Tinubu, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

He said the expansion is designed to boost the Army’s operational capacity and improve its ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats across the country.

Shaibu assured Nigerians that newly recruited personnel would receive adequate training, proper equipment and professional development necessary to meet the demands of modern military operations.

While celebrating the Army’s accomplishments, the COAS paid tribute to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.

He said their courage, patriotism and selfless service would continue to inspire future generations of military personnel.

The Army Chief also acknowledged the sacrifices of wounded personnel and veterans, describing their contributions as invaluable to the nation’s security.

He further expressed appreciation to families of serving personnel, noting that their patience, resilience and unwavering support remain critical to the Army’s operational success.

Shaibu equally conveyed the Nigerian Army’s gratitude to  Tinubu for what he described as his unwavering support, strategic leadership and sustained commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities and welfare of the Armed Forces.

According to him, many of the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in recent times would not have been possible without the continued backing of the President and the Federal Government.

The COAS urged personnel to use the church service to pray for Nigeria, its leaders, members of the Armed Forces and all troops currently deployed on operations across the country.

He called for prayers for divine wisdom, protection, peace, unity and prosperity while urging officers and soldiers to remain committed to the Army’s core values of loyalty, discipline, integrity, selfless service and professionalism.

In his sermon, Anthony Maimagani, Director of Chaplaincy (Roman Catholic), Nigerian Army,   described military service as a divine calling that requires courage, justice and sacrifice in the service of God, humanity and the nation.

He reminded officers and soldiers that protecting innocent Nigerians was not only a constitutional obligation but also an act of service to God.

Maimagani encouraged troops to remain resolute despite prevailing security challenges and to continue demonstrating courage, humility, integrity and compassion in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

He also offered prayers for God’s protection over members of the Armed Forces and expressed hope for lasting peace, justice and national unity across Nigeria.

The interdenominational church service forms part of activities lined up for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, commemorating 163 years of the Nigerian Army’s service to the nation and honouring the sacrifices of serving and fallen personnel.