162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of National Unity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Nigerian Army as the unyielding backbone of the nation’s sovereignty and a symbol of unity, praising its enduring commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and democracy for over 162 years.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Kaduna on Sunday, President Tinubu described the Nigerian Army as “the unbreakable spine of our sovereignty,” and “the shield of our democracy.”
He emphasized that the occasion was not just a celebration, but a solemn moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who have served the country with courage and dedication.
“A nation is only as strong as the courage of those who defend it. And for 162 years, the Nigerian Army has remained the unbreakable spine of our sovereignty,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on the Army’s historic role in national integration, Tinubu recalled the end of the Nigerian Civil War and the Army’s pivotal role in preserving the unity of the country. He referenced General Yakubu Gowon’s famous declaration of “No victor, no vanquished” as a testament to the Army’s dedication to peace over conquest.
The President praised the Army’s participation in both domestic operations and international peacekeeping missions, stressing that their loyalty is not driven by power but by principles.
This year’s NADCEL celebration held under the theme, “Developing the Soldier-Based Concept: A Priority for Nigerian Army’s Transformational Drive,” was described by Tinubu as visionary and timely. He affirmed that national defence must begin with the well-being and morale of individual soldiers.
“You cannot build a great army without building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts—they are the bedrock of national security,” he stated.
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The President also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for prioritizing soldier welfare and spearheading transformative institutional reforms focused on the troops.
Addressing the prevailing security challenges—including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist threats—Tinubu warned that these dangers do not discriminate by tribe or religion, but instead seek to destroy the shared values of the nation.
“These evils destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking how they worship,” he noted.
“Our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising. And to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this clearly: the time to rise is now.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces, pledging sustained investments in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and capacity development. He emphasized that this commitment is not a favour, but a national duty.
The President also paid tribute to fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army, describing them as martyrs whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.
“To the families they left behind, I extend the deepest sympathies of a nation that will never forget. Their memory will endure for generations,” he said.
Calling on serving personnel to remain guided by the Constitution and international laws of armed conflict, Tinubu affirmed that their bravery must be rooted in justice and integrity.
He further applauded the synergy between the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces, as well as cooperation with security agencies in confronting multi-faceted national security threats.
Tinubu concluded his remarks with a passionate appeal to Nigerians to take collective ownership of the country’s security and unity.
“We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay. Nation-building is the responsibility of every citizen,” he declared.
As the event drew to a close, the President saluted all members of the Nigerian Army—past and present—acknowledging them as the guardians of the nation’s identity and the protectors of its democracy.
“Long live the Nigerian Army. Long live the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
By PRNigeria
