“The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.” – Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede
Come the 6th of July, activities marking this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) will climax in Kaduna, NorthwestNigeria. A very important event in the Nigerian Army’s calendar, NADCEL is significant in many ways, and this year’s edition is quite historic as it commemorates the 162nd year of its existence and is even more momentous considering the multi-faceted internal security challenges the Army is currently battling.
But NADCEL is not just a ceremonial tradition; it is a moment of deep national reflection and a salute to a force that has stood as the bulwark of Nigeria’s unity, security, and sovereignty.
From its humble beginnings in 1863 as the Glover Constabulary, an 18-man native force organized by Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy, the Nigerian Army has evolved into one of Africa’s most formidable military institutions. Through colonial transitions, independence, civil war, peacekeeping deployments, and counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns, the Nigerian Army has remained a symbol of resilience, discipline, and patriotism.
At a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters Abuja to herald NADCEL 2025, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the celebration affords the Army the opportunity to recognize and honour the heroic contributions of its officers, past and present.
“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”, he said.
This year’s celebration, themed “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive”, is primed to espouse the current leadership’s commitment to a transformative agenda that places the welfare, morale, and professional capacity of the soldier at the heart of national defence strategy. It is a clear testament to the vision of Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, whose forward-thinking leadership has been a catalyst for operational excellence, institutional reform, and renewed esprit de corps across the ranks.
This is understandable considering that for too long, the Nigerian Army has grappled with the reality of overstretched but thankfully not overwhelmed personnel, many of whom risk their lives daily under tough conditions. The “Soldier First” philosophy represents a radical departure from the past, a pivot toward a more people-centered leadership model where the basic needs and aspirations of the troops are not secondary, but primary.
Indeed, the Nigerian Army has continued to uphold its role as a guardian of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and as a vanguard of internal stability. Its operational footprint spans multiple theatres: from the northeast battling insurgents to the northwest and north-central regions confronting banditry and violent criminality, and even to the southeast, safeguarding law and order amidst separatist threats, and down to the Niger Delta region protecting the maritime assets of the country. In every theater, gallant troops have shown uncommon courage, often paying the ultimate price to keep Nigeria safe.
Since assuming command, Lt Gen Oluyede has infused the Army with renewed vigor and strategic clarity. Under his leadership, combat readiness has significantly improved, with modern combat enablers and logistics resources deployed to enhance operational effectiveness. His focus on troop welfare through improved housing, medical support, career progression, and prompt incentives has lifted morale and sharpened the fighting edge of Nigerian soldiers.
The result has been palpable: a visible shift in momentum across conflict zones, the dismantling of high-profile terrorist and bandit networks, and the deployment of non-kinetic approaches to deal with peculiar situations. The Nigerian Army, working in synergy with other security agencies, has successfully curtailed the expansion of deadly groups like ISWAP, neutralizing several of their top commanders and disrupting their infrastructure.
As the linchpin in the battle against multi-faceted internal security challenges confronting the country, the Nigerian Army has continued to prove its worth as an indispensable symbol of national unity and strength.
As a professional, hard-fighting and globally respected force, the NA have restored democracies, brought peace to troubled lands, stabilized the West African sub-region and promoted world peace region through its excellent participation in peace keeping and peace support operations across the world. It has continued to occupy its glorious position in the comity of global defence forces on account of its steadfastness, unwavering commitment, ruggedness and sacrifice.
Yet, the story of the Nigerian Army is not just one of firepower, but of enduring sacrifice and quiet heroism. Every bullet intercepted, every bomb diffused, and every community protected, carries the imprint of men and women who stand daily in harm’s way for a nation they believe in. For every life lost in the line of duty, a grateful country remembers. For every family left behind, a nation mourns in solidarity.
It is worth noting that like any large and complex institution, the Nigerian Army is not without its share of challenges. Isolated cases of indiscipline or misconduct have occurred, but the Army, as a disciplined and regimented force, has continued to take firm and transparent action through court martials and administrative procedures to uphold its values of honor, loyalty, and integrity.
To the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army, past and present, who have held the line in times of peace and peril, Nigerians owe you a debt of gratitude. You are the silent sentinels of our democracy, the unyielding guardians of our unity, and the enduring face of our national pride.
By and large, Nigerians will always be appreciative of the sacrifice of gallant troops of the Nigerian Army who are daily inharm’s way, taking the bullets on our behalf and defending the country. Nigerians will never forget those gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army who have laid down their lives in order to defend us. We are proud of them and we will continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls.
As NADCEL 2025 gets underway, one can only say, bravo to the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army for all their loyalty and sacrifice to the Nigerian nation.
Chidi Omeje is a senior editor at Zagazola Media Network