Nigerian Army Day celebration: Reflections, achievements and the burden of national security, by Ejiro Ofoye

Every year, Nigerians join officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to commemorate the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), an annual event designed to celebrate the Nigerian Army, showcase its achievements, assess its performance and reflect on its role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The celebration also provides an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices, dedication and professionalism of officers and soldiers who continue to serve the nation under demanding and often dangerous conditions.

This year’s theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” is both timely and significant. It underscores the Army’s constitutional responsibility to defend Nigeria while emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the citizens it serves.

The Nigerian Army traces its origins to 1863, when Lieutenant Glover established a local force known as the Glover Hausa Force. Since then, it has evolved into one of Africa’s largest and most respected military institutions, playing vital roles in national defence, internal security operations, peace support missions, disaster response and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Historically, Nigerian soldiers have earned global recognition. From peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone to operations in Sudan and other conflict zones, the Nigerian Army distinguished itself as a force capable of restoring peace and stability in troubled regions. Nigerian troops often operated under difficult circumstances and won commendation from the international community for their professionalism, discipline and courage.

At home, however, the security landscape presents a more complex picture. For more than a decade, Nigeria has battled insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central, separatist agitations in parts of the South-East, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and various forms of violent criminality across the country. Thousands of soldiers have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, while many others have suffered life-altering injuries.

These realities naturally prompt questions about the significance of celebration. Can a nation facing persistent security threats genuinely celebrate its Army? The answer lies in understanding the purpose of NADCEL.

The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is not merely about military victories or ceremonial parades. It is an occasion to evaluate performance, showcase achievements, honour sacrifice, promote professionalism and strengthen public appreciation for the role of the Army in national development and security.

The bravery of soldiers should not be measured solely by the absence of security challenges. Rather, it should be judged by their willingness to confront those challenges, often under extremely difficult circumstances.

The Nigerian soldier operates in some of the harshest environments imaginable. In the forests of the North-West, the deserts of the North-East, the creeks of the Niger Delta and remote border communities, troops spend months away from their families protecting lives and property. Many work with limited resources, facing determined adversaries who constantly adapt their tactics. Yet they continue to answer the call of duty.

While celebrating the achievements of the Nigerian Army, the occasion also provides an opportunity for honest reflection. Security experts have repeatedly argued that military operations alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security challenges. Issues such as unemployment, poverty, poor governance, corruption, weak institutions and social inequality often provide fertile ground for insecurity. Consequently, expecting the Army alone to resolve every security problem places an unfair burden on the military.

The celebration should therefore serve as an opportunity for policymakers to evaluate the nation’s security architecture. Questions about intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, military funding, personnel welfare, equipment procurement and veterans’ care deserve serious attention. The effectiveness of any military institution ultimately depends on the quality of support it receives from the state and society.

There is also the issue of civil-military relations. In a democratic society, the military must remain professional, accountable and respectful of the rights of citizens. Public confidence is strengthened when military operations are conducted within the framework of the law and with due regard for human rights. As Nigeria continues to consolidate its democracy, maintaining this balance remains essential.

Encouragingly, the Nigerian Army has in recent years invested in local military production, technological innovation, training and modernization. Indigenous production of certain military platforms and equipment demonstrates a growing commitment to self-reliance. While much remains to be done, these efforts represent important steps toward strengthening national defence capabilities.

As the nation marks this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration, it is fitting to extend profound appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Army for their steadfast commitment to duty, professionalism and the defence of our nation’s sovereignty.

Special commendation goes to Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, whose leadership continues to guide the Nigerian Army through complex and evolving security challenges. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Chief of Administration (Army), Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, General Officers Commanding the various Divisions of the Nigerian Army, Commandants of military training institutions and schools, Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders, Commanding Officers and all officers and soldiers serving across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the defence of the nation often come at great personal cost. Whether deployed in operational theatres, training institutions, headquarters formations or peace support missions, these men and women continue to uphold the finest traditions of military service.

Equally deserving of recognition are the spouses and families of officers and soldiers, whose unwavering support provides the emotional strength and stability that enable our troops to discharge their responsibilities effectively. Their sacrifices, though often unseen, are an integral part of the success story of the Nigerian Army.

To our fallen heroes, we offer our eternal gratitude. To those currently serving, we express our deepest appreciation. And to the leadership of the Nigerian Army at every level, we salute your courage, resilience and dedication to the service of our great nation. 

May the Nigerian Army continue to grow in strength, professionalism and capacity as it pursues its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria and safeguarding the peace, unity and territorial integrity of our beloved country. 

•Dr. Ofoye writes from Lagos. 

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