The Nigerian Army @162: A Testament to Sacrifice and National Unity By Sani Kukasheka Usman
Every July, the Nigerian Army reaches another significant milestone. This year, as we observe Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, we honor an institution that has served as a pillar of national unity, courage, and nationhood for 162 years. NADCEL, first celebrated in 1978, commemorates the Army’s establishment and the first shot fired at Garkem Town, Cross River State, marking the start of the Nigerian Civil War. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers.
A Legacy Forged in Dedication
From its humble beginnings in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, the Nigerian Army has evolved into a formidable and professional force. For over a century and a half, it has stood guard over our sovereignty, defended our territorial integrity, and advanced our national interests both at home and abroad. This legacy is built on selfless dedication, patriotism, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our loved ones and safeguarding our nation.
The Nigerian Army has consistently risen to meet the challenges of successive generations, demonstrating courage and resilience from its early involvement in the two World Wars.
Before the Civil War, the Army not only protected national unity but also extended its commitment to peace beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian troops played a vital role in the UN peacekeeping operation in the Congo in the early 1960s, one of the earliest and most complex missions of its kind. Since then, Nigeria has actively participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions globally, becoming the fourth-largest troop-contributing nation at its peak.
Additionally, the Nigerian Army has undertaken peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions under the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering peace and democratic governance in several West African states and solidifying Nigeria’s leadership in regional and continental stability.
To truly understand the essence of NADCEL is to appreciate the profound sacrifices our gallant officers and soldiers have made. Their journey has been far from comfortable; it’s a legacy carved in hardship, blood, sweat, discipline, and valor. Through civil war, peace enforcement missions, counter-insurgency operations, and support to civil authority, the Army has remained steadfast, often operating under difficult and austere conditions, yet never wavering in its devotion to the nation.
Rising to Modern Challenges
In the face of complex and asymmetric security threats, the Nigerian Army continues to answer the call. It is currently engaged in several internal security operations across all six geopolitical zones, collaborating with other services and security agencies. In the Northeast, Operation HADIN KAI has made significant progress against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, restoring peace to once-controlled areas. In the Northwest and North Central regions, Operations HADARIN DAJI, WHIRL PUNCH, and WHIRL STROKE have consistently confronted bandits, kidnappers, and criminal gangs, dismantling camps, rescuing abductees, and restoring community confidence.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE protects critical oil infrastructure and curbs illegal oil bunkering and piracy, safeguarding the nation’s economic lifeline. In the Southeast and Southwest, Operation UDOKA, Exercises GOLDEN DAWN, and STILL WATERS continue to check rising threats of violent separatism, armed robbery, and cultism, in collaboration with sister security agencies. Moreover, the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.
Beyond the Battlefield: Aiding Civil Authority and National Development
Beyond its core duty of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Army plays a crucial role in aid to civil authority and national development. From disaster response, such as recent support to flood-affected communities in Maiduguri, to nation-building initiatives, the Army actively works to improve the lives of Nigerians. Through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, it has constructed and rehabilitated roads, classrooms, health clinics, and water projects nationwide. The Army also provides educational materials, conducts medical outreach programs, and supports literacy and vocational development for youth and women in rural and conflict-affected areas. These initiatives not only win hearts and minds but also demonstrate the Army’s deep commitment to national development, progress, and human security.
Transformation and the Soldier First Concept
These successes are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate reforms, strategic foresight, and tenacious commitment by the Nigerian Army leadership, currently under the command of the seasoned Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, mni NAM. Commendably, the theme of NADCEL 2025, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,” was carefully chosen as it highlights the Army’s renewed drive to transform by prioritizing its soldiers.
As an instrument of national unity, integration, and development, the Nigerian Army has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement to better equip its personnel to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. Despite enormous constraints, including budgetary limitations, overstretch, evolving threats, and public misunderstanding, the Nigerian Army continues to grow stronger, reforming itself through enhanced training, operational innovation, and welfare-driven leadership. It is transforming into a modern, agile, and joint-capable force, one that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations in a volatile and dynamic security environment.
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The Unsung Heroes: Our Soldiers
At the heart of this transformation is the Nigerian soldier—the courageous men and women who don the Army uniform, driven not by personal gain but by duty, loyalty, honor, and patriotism. They leave behind the warmth of family and the promise of comfort to serve in harsh terrain and hostile conditions. Their reward is not always recognition, but they serve nonetheless. The Nigerian soldier represents the best of us: resilient, selfless, and loyal to the very end. It is this silent dignity and unmatched devotion that make the Army not only a fighting force but a moral compass for national unity and integrity, truly worthy of celebration.
As the Army celebrates its day this year, I extend my congratulations and urge all personnel to remain resilient, disciplined, and more committed than ever.
Nigerians respect and look up to the military as a symbol of national pride, and they must continue to live up to that honor. For the few “bad eggs” within the system, this is the time to buckle up, retrace your steps, or ship out; there is no room for mediocrity, disloyalty, or unprofessional conduct in the Army. To those aspiring to join this noble profession, understand that being a soldier is not a tea party; it is a sacred calling that demands toughness, integrity, courage, and sacrifice.
Addressing Misconceptions and Building Trust
Yet, even as we celebrate these gallant achievements, we must confront the reality of misinformation, public cynicism, and unwarranted criticism that often clouds public perception of the military. Too often, the actions and intentions of the Nigerian Army are misunderstood, politicized, or misrepresented, even by those who owe their safety and liberty to its sacrifices. This is not only unfair, it is dangerous. When a nation maligns its protectors, it weakens its foundation. The Nigerian Army is not perfect—no institution is—but it is consistently ** loyal, committed, and dependable**. It deserves more than suspicion and cynicism; it deserves our support, trust, and appreciation.
The government, for its part, must continue to equip, fund, and enhance the welfare of the Army. Our political leadership must avoid creating unnecessary conflicts or internal friction that complicate national security. Instead, they must embrace dialogue, diplomacy, and strategic communication as tools for conflict prevention and resolution, thereby reducing the burden on military engagement and allowing the Army to focus on core security missions.
To the Nigerian people, I make this earnest appeal: respect, support, and celebrate your Army. This institution belongs to us all. When we collectively or individually honor it, we are affirming our commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and peace. Criticism, when necessary, should be constructive, not toxic. Let us uplift the morale of our troops through public solidarity and patriotic engagement. Let us tell our children and grandchildren not only the stories of Nigeria’s challenges but also the stories of courage, resilience, sacrifices, and triumph represented by the Nigerian soldier.
The Enduring Pillar of Nigeria
The Nigerian Army remains the most reliable pillar in our national architecture. It has preserved our sovereignty, upheld our democracy, and provided stability when institutions wavered. It is not just the pride of Nigeria; it is a model of endurance, discipline, and sacrifice. As it celebrates 162 years of existence, it deserves more than fleeting praise. It deserves lasting gratitude from us all. NADCEL provides an opportunity to showcase its achievements and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security, and the defense of national values.
To this end, several activities have been lined up for this year’s celebration. These include the traditional Juma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services, symbolizing the humble acknowledgment of the Nigerian Army motto, “Victory is from God Alone.” On Friday, July 4, 2025, there will be the commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, a free medical outreach program, and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA)’s charity outreach programs. On the same day, public speaking engagements and visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army formations will take place.
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, there will be a lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues, followed by the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition. In the evening of the same day, a Gala Night with officers and soldiers will be held at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna. The event will be rounded off with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on July 6, 2025, featuring a military parade, equipment display, and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.
One other key highlight of that day is also a Research, Development, and Innovation Exhibition, which will be held at Murtala Square to showcase the Nigerian Army’s remarkable strides in science, technology, and innovation, underscoring its transformation into a modern, adaptive, and forward-looking force.
To the gallant officers, men, and women of the Nigerian Army, I salute you. You are our shield, our pride, and the living proof that service to the nation is noble and the highest form of patriotism. May your sacrifices never be in vain, and may the nation you defend stand eternally proud of your noble calling.
Happy NADCEL 2025 @ 162! Long live the Nigerian Army! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fspsp is a former Director of Army Public Relations and Spokesman for the Nigerian Army, a security and strategic communication expert. He can be reached on his social media handles @skusman.
