Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to continue serving the nation with courage, discipline and professionalism, saying the patriotism and selfless sacrifices of fallen heroes remain a lasting source of inspiration.
The message was delivered on Sunday during the Interdenominational Church Service held at All Saints Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, also known as NADCEL.
Represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the Chief of Army Staff said the service commemorates the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary and honours the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of personnel who have served the nation.
He commended troops for their dedication in various theatres of operation across the country and urged them to remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens.
In his sermon, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Brigadier General Francis Maimagani, encouraged officers and soldiers to serve both God and humanity faithfully through their military vocation. He also urged them to remain courageous and committed in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
The service was attended by the Honourable Minister of Defence, represented by Major General Henry Wesley (Retired), representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, senior serving and retired military officers, as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and the Soldiers’ Wives Association.
The event forms part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of service to the nation.