By Augustine Ehikioya
The Nigerian Army (NA), on Friday 27th June, 2025, commenced activities marking its 162nd anniversary of its event popularly known as the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, with special Juma’at prayers.
It was conducted across all its formations and units.
This year’s celebration, themed _“Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”_, saw Muslim faithfuls gather at the Guards Brigade Jumu’at Mosque, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, to observe the special prayers.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the remarkable progress and achievements recorded by the Nigerian Army in its 162 years of existence.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), he also prayed for continued peace and unity across the country.
He urged personnel to remain loyal, disciplined, and committed in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
The COAS said “This past year has been a challenging one for the Nigerian Army. Notably, on Tuesday 5th November 2024, we suffered a great loss with the passing of our leader, the former COAS, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, who answered the call to eternal glory. While we grieve, we take solace in the truth that God knows what is best for us all.
“I urge us to be comforted with the knowledge that he now rests peacefully in the bosom of his creator. In his honour, let us please observe a minute silence. May his soul and all faithfully departed souls rest in perfect peace, Amen. As we celebrate the Nigerian Army at 162, let us be mindful that Nigerians look to us to play a vital role in overcoming the current security challenges being experienced across the country.
“We must, therefore, renew commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and upholding the rights of all citizens. Let us also continue to work together, united in our quest for peace, stability, and lasting prosperity for our dear country
“Globally, the Nigerian Army is recognized as a key player in regional security initiatives, contributing troops to various peacekeeping efforts and collaborating with international partners to combat terrorism and other security threats. While at home, the Nigerian Army is the backbone of our national defence, working tirelessly to protect our citizens, defending our territorial integrity and supporting the civil authority to maintain law and order.
“From counter insurgency efforts to peacekeeping missions, our soldiers have consistently exemplified professionalism, discipline and commitment as a formidable force, Today, We stand as a forced focused on victory and fully aware of the spiritual dimension of our fighting power.
“We attribute our successes in battle to God, as clearly expressed in our motto: “Victory is from God alone”. I believe it was this deep sense of gratitude and that desire for divine guidance that inspired our forebears to incorporate religious activities into the NADCEL, alongside other commemorative events.
“Our gathering today is to therefore thank the Almighty for His guidance through the past year and to seek His continued blessings in the days ahead. The NADCEL services also serve as a medium to honour our fallen warriors, celebrate those still in active service and pray for a brighter stronger future for the Nigerian Army.”
The Nigerian Army, he said, is committed to the whole of nation’s approach to strategic preparedness and readiness that strengthens our national resilience is unwavering.
“Thus, my command philosophy seeks “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency
Environment.’
“This philosophy has defined our policies and engagements this past year and NADCEL 2025 provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements and review future plans in our pledged commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law and the economic prosperity of our beloved nation. We have chosen the theme for this year’s NADCEL to be “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive”.
The theme, he said, highlights the Nigerian Army responsibility to national unity, integration, and development, and underscores commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defence management in the country and beyond.
“I charge you to do your best to make NADCEL 2025 a worthwhile celebration.” he stated.
Earlier, the Director of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, led special prayer session for the nation, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and particularly the Nigerian Army.
He also prayed for the country’s leadership and all personnel of the Nigerian Army deployed in all theatres of operations.
The event was graced by Principal Staff Officers from the Defence and Service Headquarters, senior officers, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Bilkisu Ibrahim, other NAOWA members, soldiers, and their families.
The special Juma’at prayers officially flagged off the series of events lined up for NADCEL 2025, which will culminate in a grand finale at the Polo Ground, Kaduna State on the 6 of July, 2025.