President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning and strengthening the Nigerian Army as the country grapples with rising security challenges.
The President made the declaration at the end of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which took place on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration would modernize the Nigerian Army by deploying emerging technologies and strengthening operational capabilities across all theatres of operation to improve military planning, combat readiness and the nation’s response to evolving security threats.
“My administration is fully dedicated to addressing modern threats through the use of emerging technologies and the development of capacity across all battle spaces, enhancing operational planning and readiness,” he said.
He pointed out that the investment in R&D in the Armed Forces and the drive for technological advancement and indigenous innovation are picking up steam.
He said that the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, is at the heart of this drive, with the forum’s partnership expected to inject fresh momentum into local defence manufacturing, create skilled jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to support counter-terrorism operations through indigenous production.
He also welcomed the creation of the African Land Forces Forum, which he said would be a platform to boost security cooperation across Africa.
“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” Tinubu said, adding that his government shares the aspirations of the forum’s organisers to raise Nigeria’s standing in defence diplomacy and enhance the Army’s combat readiness through shared expertise.
The President lauded the Nigerian troops for their sacrifices in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation and assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the families of personnel that lost their lives in the course of duty.
To the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, you bear a trust that few are asked to carry and you carry it with an honour that steadies the whole nation.
“Treat the people with the same care you show in defending them, for the uniform only commands respect when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen,” he added.
Also speaking, Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, commended the Nigerian Army for its remarkable strides in technological advancement and manpower development.
He said the institution had his administration’s support and called for improved welfare for soldiers, saying better conditions of service would make them more effective in the performance of their duties.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in his welcome address said this year’s celebration is coming at a critical period as over 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently involved in operations against insurgency and other security threats across the country.
The Army has grown and changed with the nation over the decades, he noted, adapting to new realities and taking on more responsibilities to defend the country.
Shaibu said the Army was aware of the infiltration of jihadist groups from neighbouring countries and assured Nigerians that troops were fully prepared to confront and defeat the threat.
He said the Army is an institution based on selfless service, loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice, saying the Army remains committed to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and protection of the lives and aspirations of its citizens.
He described the anniversary as a renewal of the Army’s dedication to national service. “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era,” he said.
The Army is closely monitoring the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, he added.
“We’ve already seen the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I want to assure all of us that the Nigerian Army is alert and up to the task.
“Just as our forefathers successfully confronted the security challenges of their generations in the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions the Nigerian Army of today will definitely triumph in confronting the security challenges of our generation,” Shaibu said.
This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration was held under the theme, “Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.
There were also parades of the Army’s corps and departments and demonstrations of land and aerial combat capabilities.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, retired service chiefs and Army chiefs from several African countries.