President Bola Tinubu has given an order for the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies to confront and crush terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatist agitators threatening the nation’s security and peace.
This was contained in a statement delivered during the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, on Sunday at Murtala Square, Kaduna.
The 2025 NADCEL is themed; “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” and attended by many dignitaries, top politicians, traditional rulers, diplomats and Kaduna residents.
The ceremony featured military parades, tactical drills, and exhibitions of cutting-edge hardware.
Dignitaries who were in attendance included; former Head of State; General Yakubu Gowon, Kaduna State Governor; Uba Sani, Minister of Defence; Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State; Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff; General Christopher Musa, former Army Chiefs; Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahay.
Represented by the Vice President, Shettima, Tinubu declared that the military should act without fear or hesitation as the presidency is fully backing them up.
He further stated that the activities of the bandits and the others aforementioned are no longer seen as minor disturbances in the country as he described them as grave existential threats.
The president promised sustained investments in modern weaponry, intelligence, and manpower to ensure Nigeria’s sovereignty and security are protected.
He said; “To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now.
“You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation.
“You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers.
“Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist movements are grave existential threats, and must no longer be seen as minor disturbances.
“These evils do not discriminate, they destroy churches and mosques alike and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith.”
According to the president through Shettima, fighting the issues affecting the country requires unity, calmness and un-compromise.
To the fallen heroes and wounded soldiers, the president vowed that their sacrifices would never be forgotten even while laying silently beneath the soil.
“Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations,” he stated.
Further stating that; “We have no other country but Nigeria”, Tinubu added that we must not mortgage the future of the country to division, indifference, or delay.
In his remarks at the event, too, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Olufemi Oluyede, stated that since the founding of the Nigerian Army in 1863, the essence has not changed despite the evolving of the age and time.
He thanked the president for putting the troop welfare and professionalism at the heart of his reforms.
He reassured the president and entire Nigerians that the Army, would coordinate with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, to continually deny criminal groups any foothold.
