The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has reassured Nigerians that the defeat of terrorists and other non-state actors was certain.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede said their routing would be done through effective counter-terrorism strategies.
“To all those who seek to disrupt the sanctity of our freedom, our heritage of liberty and our enduring democracy, be assured that your failure is certain and your boast lacks value,’’ he stressed.
The COAS spoke during an interdenominational church service to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025 in Abuja yesterday.
The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and upholding the rights of all citizens.
He said: “We shall never depart from our honour, which is tied to our faith, and we will continue to live true to the Nigerian Army motto, ‘Victory is from God Alone.’
“The Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to foster a joint and multi-agency environment to effectively deliver our mandate of securing our beloved nation.”
The COAS said NADCEL provides an opportunity to commemorate the Army’s establishment and also reflect on the sacrifices, resilience and selfless commitment of its officers and soldiers in the service to the nation.
According to him, it is also a time to remember and honour our brave heroes who fell in the line of duty as well as our dear families that are subjected to bearing our absence, loss and scars of service.
He added: “The time-honoured tradition of commencing the Nigerian Army Day Celebration schedule of events with the Jumat Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services symbolises our humble acknowledgement of the divine role of the Almighty in all our affairs.
“This stems from the prevalence of faith and hope being the tenets of moral guidance and emotional stability that reinforce ethical behaviour and motivate us all to act honourably during operations.”
Lt-Gen. Oluyede said the Army was commemorating 162 years of dedicated service, thereby showing the deep-rooted patriotism and valour espoused by their forebears.
He said: “We have come here (church) to thank God for his mercy, and we expect that he will protect us in the future so that we can secure Nigeria better.
“And with that, we expect Nigeria to come out better and greater, and I would like to tell all Nigerians that they should have hope.
“The Nigerian army belongs to all Nigerians and security is for all, and we expect them to give us their maximum support so that we can do our jobs better.”
In his sermon, Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lt.-Col. Martins Amuluche emphasised the importance of loyalty and urged officers and soldiers to remain committed to God.
Lt.-Col Amuluche also enjoined them to remain dedicated to the Nigerian Army while serving the country with integrity and patriotism.
