….Says 163-year-old force prioritising professionalism, troop welfare, public trust to tackle insecurity
Abuja – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a new operational direction for the Nigerian Army, declaring that the 163-year-old military institution is strengthening recruitment, improving troop welfare and deepening joint operations to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country.
Gen Shaibu said the renewed strategy is aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptive, resilient and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment while rebuilding public confidence in the military.
Represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, at the Interdenominational Church Service marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) at the All Saints Military Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, the Army Chief said protecting Nigeria now requires both military superiority and stronger engagement with the people.
“Our constitutional responsibility is inseparable from the safety, prosperity and confidence of the Nigerian people. Protecting the nation also means serving the people,” he said.
The Church Service formed part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary, bringing together serving and retired military personnel, civilian staff, families and religious leaders to reflect on the institution’s legacy and future.
Against the backdrop of persistent security challenges, Gen Shaibu disclosed that troops remain actively engaged in multiple operations against terrorists, insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups across the country.
He said sustained joint operations involving sister services and other security agencies have resulted in the dismantling of terrorist enclaves, the neutralisation of criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the restoration of normalcy in several communities.
According to him, the successes recorded in recent operations underscore the professionalism, courage and resilience of officers and soldiers serving in different theatres despite increasingly sophisticated threats.
“Our officers and soldiers remain the Nigerian Army’s greatest strength and most valuable asset,” the COAS stated.
Gen Shaibu said his command philosophy is built around leadership, professionalism, operational effectiveness and personnel welfare, adding that the Army’s transformation agenda is designed to position the force to meet emerging security challenges within a joint and multi-agency operational environment.
Central to the reforms, he explained, is the “Soldier First” initiative, which places the welfare of personnel at the heart of military effectiveness.
COAS said the Nigerian Army has intensified investment in improved accommodation, healthcare services, professional training, educational opportunities, career development and family support programmes to enhance morale and operational readiness.
“We remain committed to ensuring that every officer and soldier serves with dignity, confidence and pride while their families receive the support they deserve,” he said.
The Army Chief also announced that the Army is expanding its manpower following increased recruitment approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to him, the recruitment drive is expected to strengthen operational capability by producing disciplined, highly trained and professional soldiers equipped to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.
He said the expansion forms part of broader efforts to reinforce the military’s capacity to respond rapidly to evolving threats confronting the country.
Paying tribute to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, Shaibu described their courage and patriotism as the enduring foundation of the Nigerian Army’s legacy.
He also acknowledged the contributions of wounded personnel, veterans and retired officers, noting that their service continues to inspire younger generations of soldiers.
The Army Chief commended military families for their unwavering support, patience and resilience, describing their sacrifices as critical to the success of military operations nationwide.
He equally expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing strategic leadership and sustained support toward improving the operational capability, logistics and welfare of the Armed Forces.
According to him, many of the Nigerian Army’s recent operational achievements have been made possible through the Federal Government’s continued investment in national defence.
As the Nigerian Army celebrates 163 years of uninterrupted service, Shaibu urged officers and soldiers to remain faithful to the institution’s core values of loyalty, discipline, integrity, professionalism and selfless service.
He also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through prayers and timely intelligence, stressing that lasting national security requires cooperation between security agencies and the citizens they are mandated to protect.
“The Nigerian Army will remain resolute in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty while strengthening the confidence of the people we serve,” the COAS said.
Delivering a sermon titled “Called to Prophetic Service: Protecting Human Dignity and Building a Peaceful Nation,” Maimagani said military service is not merely a profession but a divine calling rooted in sacrifice, justice, integrity and service to humanity.
Drawing from Genesis Chapter 1, the senior Army Chaplain said every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, making the protection of life and human dignity a sacred responsibility for every soldier.
“Every human being reflects the image and likeness of God. Therefore, defending human dignity is not optional; it is a divine obligation,” he said.
Brigadier General Maimagani stressed that sustainable national security cannot be achieved through military operations alone, arguing that corruption, injustice, abuse of power and the erosion of moral values remain major drivers of insecurity and national instability.
He said soldiers must therefore become ambassadors of truth, justice and reconciliation, just as the prophets in the Bible confronted oppression, corruption and social injustice in their time.
“The prophets of old confronted injustice, challenged corrupt leadership and defended the oppressed. Every generation has its prophetic responsibility, and ours is no different,” he said.
The Army Chaplain urged officers and soldiers to allow their Christian faith to shape their conduct both on and off the battlefield, insisting that military professionalism must always be guided by compassion, discipline, ethical leadership and respect for human dignity.
“Our identity in Christ calls us to protect life, defend the vulnerable and serve humanity with humility and sacrifice,” he said.
Acknowledging the enormous sacrifices made by military personnel deployed across various theatres of operation,
Brigadier General Maimagani encouraged troops to remain steadfast in their calling, saying courage must be anchored on moral conviction, spiritual discipline and unwavering faith in God.
He also urged soldiers to continue developing their knowledge and professional competence to confront emerging security threats while treating every civilian with dignity and respect.
Calling Nigerians to reject violence, hatred and division, the chaplain appealed for greater national unity, justice and dialogue as the foundation for lasting peace.
Quoting the words of Jesus Christ, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest,” Maimagani urged military personnel not to lose hope despite the nation’s security and socio-economic challenges.
He concluded by praying for God’s continued protection over members of the Armed Forces and urged them to remain faithful to their calling as defenders of Nigeria, guardians of human dignity and ambassadors of peace.
