The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel while sustaining efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and address the country’s security challenges.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army following the conclusion of faith-based activities organised by Headquarters 6 Division as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The activities concluded with an interdenominational church service held at St. Matthew’s Parish Catholic Church, Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, following a Jumma’at prayer held earlier as part of the celebrations. The Army said the events reflected its commitment to religious harmony and its tradition of dedicating its activities to God through both Christian and Islamic worship.
The church service was officiated by the Chaplain, Reverend Father Colonel Abraham Sambo, while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South South), Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, represented the COAS. At the Jumma’at prayer, the COAS was represented by the Commander, 6 Division Garrison and Commander, Sector 3, Joint Task Force (South South), Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General Abubakar Bello.
Delivering the COAS’s goodwill message, Major General Emekah said the Nigerian Army remained committed to creating an environment where personnel could serve with dignity while ensuring their families receive the support they deserve.
He noted that the Army, over its 163-year history, has remained a symbol of patriotism, resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to national service.
According to him, the theme of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People,” reflects the Army’s determination to safeguard the nation while strengthening public trust and confidence.
Emekah said the celebration provided an opportunity for the Army to thank God, reflect on its journey, celebrate its achievements, honour fallen heroes, and renew its commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also paid tribute to officers and soldiers serving in various operational theatres across the country, describing their resilience, discipline, and selfless service as the foundation of the Army’s successes.
The senior military officer described this year’s NADCEL theme as a call for introspection, renewal, and rededication, stressing that the Army’s constitutional mandate is closely linked to the safety, prosperity, and confidence of the Nigerian people.
He added that under the leadership of Lieutenant General Shuaibu, the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities threatening national peace and stability.
While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, Emekah said the Army has continued to record significant operational successes through the professionalism of its personnel and close collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
He further reaffirmed that the welfare of personnel remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve accommodation, healthcare services, training, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing their well-being and operational effectiveness.
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