President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the Nigerian Army and other security agencies a clear marching order to decisively confront and defeat terrorists, bandits, insurgents and separatists threatening the peace and unity of the country.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held at Murtala Square, Kaduna on Sunday, Tinubu charged the military to rise to the occasion without hesitation.

According to the President, “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.”

Tinubu minced no words in describing the scale of threats confronting Nigeria, warning that terrorism, insurgency, banditry and separatist agitations were no longer mere irritants but grave existential dangers.

“These evils do not discriminate—they destroy churches and mosques alike, and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith,” he said.

The President pledged that under his watch, the welfare, morale and operational capacity of the armed forces would remain an overriding priority. He vowed sustained investments in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities and human resources to ensure the military remains battle-ready to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“We are not oblivious to the challenges that confront our nation. But let it be said plainly: our response must be united, calm and uncompromising. I assure you that this administration stands firmly with you on that path,” he told the troops.

Paying glowing tributes to fallen heroes and wounded personnel, Tinubu noted that the sacrifices of soldiers would never be forgotten.

“Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty. Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name. Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations,” he said.

President Tinubu seized the moment to salute the families of serving and fallen soldiers, praising the contributions of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) for sustaining morale on the home front.

“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference or delay. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria and long live our Armed Forces,” the President concluded, drawing loud ovations from the parade ground.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the Nigerian Army’s historical resilience since its humble beginnings in 1863. He noted that while the Army has evolved structurally and technologically over the decades, its greatest asset remains unchanged.

“The most enduring legacy of the Nigerian Army is the indomitable spirit, valour and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian soldier,” Oluyede told the gathering.

The Army Chief explained that this year’s NADCEL theme, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” was carefully chosen to place troop welfare and professionalism at the centre of ongoing reforms.

“We cannot build a great army without well-motivated and well-trained soldiers. Their willpower, morale and sense of purpose are the bedrock of national security,” he stressed.

Oluyede assured Nigerians that despite evolving security threats, the Army, working in synergy with the Navy, Air Force and other security agencies, has consistently denied criminal elements the ability to carve out territories or destabilise the country’s territorial integrity.

The colourful event also featured military parades, tactical displays and an exhibition of sophisticated hardware, drawing applause from dignitaries, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, and thousands of cheering residents.

Dignitaries in attendance at the event were; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, former Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, other service chiefs, representatives of the traditional institution, members of National and States Assemblies among others.