The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting all Nigerians as part of its sacred duty and constitutional responsibility.

Gen. Oluyede gave the assurance at a Press briefing on the occasion of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, and 162th year anniversary.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuizi, the COAS noted that the Army’s 162 years of existence has been that of “selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our beloved country.”

According to the COAS, the Army had grown exponentially over the years, surmounting all challenges that every generation of our forebears have had to contend with.

He said Nigerian soldiers had participated in the two great wars, conducted and concluded the Nigerian Civil War, upheld the banner of peace in the West African subregion and projected peace and stability across the African continent.

“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,” he said. 

“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.

The COAS said the theme of 2025 NADCEL, which is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”, was carefully selected as it espouses his renewed drive to transform the Army by placing our soldiers first.

He noted that the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, had made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.

The COAS said the celebration affords them the opportunity to recognize and honour the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers, past and present.