It was a display of pomp and pageantry at the ultra-modern parade ground of the Maxwell Khobe Military Cantonment, the Headquarters of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army located in Rukuba, Bassa local government area of Plateau State, when the Nigerian Army rounded up the celebration of its 161 years of existence, code-named NADCEL 2024.
The weeklong event with theme, “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment,” which came to a close with the grand finale on Saturday, July 6th, was a showcase of
the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security and community engagement.
In a display that could be compared to that of other militaries in any part of the world, the Nigerian Army showcased their dexterity in different forms including a parachute drop, a display of military equipment and a parade showcasing the Army’s strength, discipline, and professionalism which the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, said was an affirmation of the Army’s resolve to uphold its mission of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The Special Guest of Honour,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in his speech, praised the Army’s “unwavering commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.”
Tinubu who commended the pivotal role played by the Nigerian Army over the years, restated his administration’s commitment to building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.
“I am delighted to be here to witness the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024. I felicitate the Nigerian Army on another anniversary of its existence. The force that is today the Nigerian Army was a crucial element in the colonial era and has continued to play vital roles post-independence,” the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said.
Continuing, Tinubu said:
“Over the years, the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development, and continued existence of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army remains one of the most patriotic and selfless elements of our nation.
“It embodies people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought, and died so that the nation would live in peace. What can be more patriotic than to lay down one’s life for the sake of the nation.
“The Nigerian Army has made and continues to make huge sacrifices to keep us safe, as security challenges increased in the last decade and a half, the Nigerian Army has risen to the challenge to keep Nigeria safe.
“I am aware that you are now deployed in all states of the federation making sacrifices daily in a bid to secure Nigeria.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation. We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you to fulfil your constitutional responsibilities.
“I have approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty. I also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment and combat enablers for you to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.
“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world.
“Our security architecture must also change to meet up with the new threats. Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on our highways, in our markets, and in their homes. The Nigerian Army remains the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure this security.”
Lt Gen Lagbaja, in his address, assured that the Nigerian Army under his watch is committed to improving operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.
“We are not oblivious to how badly our people require and demand the security of their lives and properties across the nation, and we are focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to our dear nation and its people within the shortest practicable time,” the COAS said.
“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our Army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world.
“Our security architecture must also change to meet up with the new threats. Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on our highways, in our markets, and in their homes. The Nigerian Army remains the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure this security.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to its mission statement, which is ‘To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interests, and Accomplish Other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority.’ The fulfillment of this responsibility sometimes demands that we make the ultimate sacrifice.
“This year’s NADCEL is themed ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment,’ and we have chosen to celebrate it in Jos, Plateau State, to showcase how much we can achieve when the government and the people cooperate and collaborate with the military.
“Our experience in ongoing operations nationwide has continued to highlight the importance of whole-of-society approach to our efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of the citizenry to support our actions.
“The Nigerian Army has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of the Group Life Assurance scheme to dependents of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of our dear nation as approved by Mr President. I want to assure Mr President that this gesture has greatly increased morale in our barracks throughout the country.
“We continue to appeal for the understanding of Nigerians living in proximity to areas of active combat operations to understand that our deployments are designed to protect and defend law-abiding Nigerians against misguided persons and groups who have resorted to armed violence against the state,” he added.
The highlight of the epoch-making event was the unveiling of two military attack helicopters purchased for the Nigerian Army aviation hub which Lagbaja said would complement the efforts of ground troops in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.
