The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army, describing the sacrifices of officers and soldiers as a debt of gratitude the nation can never fully exhaust.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, the Vice President said Nigeria remains profoundly grateful to its armed forces for choosing “duty over comfort and service over ease,” and for standing in harm’s way to guarantee national peace and stability.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Shettima commended the Nigerian Army for its enduring professionalism and resilience, noting that the annual conference remains a critical platform for honest reflection, rigorous evaluation, and continuous improvement in training, administration, and operations.
He urged senior commanders to consolidate operational gains and adapt Nigeria’s national security architecture to meet the demands of an increasingly complex global and domestic security environment, assuring them of the administration’s full support in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Vice President praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and all officers and soldiers for their clarity of vision and sense of purpose in transforming the Army into a professional, adaptable, and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency frameworks.
Shettima also applauded the Army’s achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, describing positive reports from various theatres of operation as clear evidence of courage, resilience, and professionalism. He stressed that joint operations with sister services and other security agencies underscore the power of unity of purpose in securing the nation.
Reiterating the importance of constitutionalism, the Vice President emphasized that the Nigerian Army must continue to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the framework of the Constitution and national security strategy, noting that such discipline is essential to sustaining public trust and confidence.
He further commended the Army’s extensive civil-military cooperation initiatives nationwide, observing that modern security efforts go beyond the use of force to winning hearts, restoring dignity, and supporting development at all levels of government.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes, Shettima said their sacrifices are permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government remains resolute in supporting their families. He also pledged continued improvement in the welfare and motivation of serving personnel through enhanced amenities and targeted programmes.
On the conference theme, which examines terrorism through diplomatic and military lenses with strategies for long-term prevention and stabilization, the Vice President described it as timely and aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He encouraged frank, constructive deliberations capable of producing practical and enduring strategies to secure Nigeria for present and future generations.
Declaring the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 formally open, Shettima expressed confidence that the discussions would yield actionable solutions to advance national security objectives and restore peace across the country.
“May your deliberations be fruitful and strengthen our collective resolve to build a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said, praying for God’s blessings on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
