President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to take decisive action against terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatist groups undermining the nation’s peace and unity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the Nigerian Army and other security agencies an unequivocal mandate to crush terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and separatist forces threatening the country’s peace and stability.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held at Murtala Square in Kaduna on Sunday, Tinubu urged the military to act decisively and without delay.

“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation. You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers,” the President declared.

He described the scale of current security threats as existential, noting that terrorism, banditry, and secessionist agitations have evolved beyond irritants to become real dangers to national unity.

“These threats can no longer be ignored or downplayed. But our response must be calm, firm, and united. I want to assure you that this administration stands solidly behind you,” Tinubu said.

The President paid tribute to fallen soldiers and wounded personnel, vowing that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

“Many of our bravest have given their lives for this nation. Some rest in silence beneath our soil, others bear the scars of duty. Their sacrifices will never be in vain. Their memory will live on in the soul of the nation,” he said.

Tinubu also saluted the families of serving and fallen soldiers, praising the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) for their contributions to morale and unity.

“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not trade our future for division, apathy or delay. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and long live our Armed Forces,” he said, drawing resounding applause from the parade ground.

In his remarks, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, highlighted the Army’s proud legacy since its founding in 1863, emphasising that while equipment and structure have changed, the courage and commitment of the Nigerian soldier remain the bedrock of the force.

“The greatest strength of the Nigerian Army is not just in weapons or technology, but in the indomitable spirit of its soldiers,” Oluyede noted.

He said this year’s NADCEL theme, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” was chosen to reinforce troop welfare, training and professionalism as the heart of ongoing reforms.

“No modern army can thrive without well-trained and highly motivated soldiers. Their morale, discipline and sense of mission are critical to national security,” the COAS stressed.

Oluyede assured the nation that, in collaboration with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, the Army has continued to deny criminal elements the space to destabilise or carve out any territory within Nigeria.

The celebration featured military parades, tactical demonstrations, and an exhibition of modern combat equipment, attracting applause from traditional rulers, foreign diplomats, top government officials, and thousands of enthusiastic citizens.

Among the dignitaries present were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and several former Army Chiefs including Lt. Generals Azubuike Ihejirika, Tukur Buratai, and Faruk Yahaya. Others included lawmakers, traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.