Army reaffirms resolve to defeat terrorism as NADCEL 2026 activities begin

By Philip Nwosu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats through enhanced professionalism, joint operations and collaboration with sister services and relevant stakeholders.

The COAS gave the assurance on Friday, during the Special Juma’at Prayers held at the Mogadishu Cantonment Central Mosque, Abuja, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

In his goodwill message, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His enduring grace and protection over the Nigerian Army, noting that the Service remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. 

He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of officers, soldiers, veterans and their families, while calling for sustained prayers and public support towards achieving enduring peace, security and national development.

The Special Juma’at Prayers, which followed the NADCEL 2026 Press Briefing, marked the first in a series of activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 163rd Anniversary. The prayer session sought divine guidance, protection and wisdom for the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as they continue to confront the country’s security challenges.

The 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration is themed, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

The event attracted top government officials, military leaders and distinguished guests, including the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle; the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff; Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters; senior serving and retired military officers; the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, accompanied by members of the association.

The dignitaries joined other worshippers in offering prayers for the continued success of the Nigerian Army and lasting peace, unity and security across the country as preparations continue for the grand finale of NADCEL 2026.