COAS Reaffirms Commitment to Troop Welfare, Professionalism at NADCEL 2026 Gala Night

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its personnel, strengthening professionalism and sustaining ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Sunday night during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Gala Night held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army.

The gala night, attended by senior government officials, military chiefs, foreign military delegations, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other distinguished guests, served as an evening of reflection, recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices of officers, soldiers, veterans and their families.

In his welcome address, the COAS described the occasion as a solemn tribute to the courage, dedication and enduring spirit of the men and women of the Nigerian Army, whose sacrifices continue to guarantee the nation’s security and stability.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude to Almighty God that we gather at this gala event to mark the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

“Tonight’s gala reflects a solemn tribute to the courage, dedication and enduring spirit of the officers, soldiers and families that make up the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The Army Chief specially welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Rivers State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, alongside senior representatives of the Federal and State Governments, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, former Service Chiefs, serving military commanders, representatives of African armies, members of the diplomatic community, royal fathers and members of the business community.

He expressed appreciation for their continued support to the Nigerian Army, describing such partnerships as critical to the success of military operations and national security.

Shaibu said the week-long NADCEL 2026 activities commenced with a press briefing in Abuja and had featured a series of programmes simultaneously across formations and units of the Nigerian Army nationwide.

According to him, the events were carefully designed not only to showcase the Nigerian Army as a symbol of national unity and professionalism but also to strengthen civil-military relations through community service projects and humanitarian activities.

“We have so far had an interesting series of events, which will culminate in the grand finale tomorrow.

“It is evident that all hands have been on deck to make this year’s celebration unique, and I assure you it will end on a high note, God willing,” he said.

Reflecting on the Army’s history, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had, over several decades, demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience and professionalism both in international peace support operations and domestic security operations.

He noted that from peacekeeping missions across Africa to ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations within Nigeria, officers and soldiers had remained steadfast in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to him, the gala night was not only a celebration of the Army’s achievements but also an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who had served the country with distinction.

Shaibu particularly paid tribute to military veterans who participated in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the late 1980s and 1990s.

He said their courage and sacrifices had contributed immensely to regional peace and stability and deserved national recognition.

The Army Chief also paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in the defence of Nigeria.

“As we celebrate tonight, let us also remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the ultimate price in service to our beloved nation.

“Their memories are enshrined in our hearts and their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which we continue to build a stronger and more secure Nigeria.

“We owe it to them and future generations to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and patriotism,” he said.

Shaibu reaffirmed that the welfare and well-being of officers, soldiers and their families would continue to receive priority attention under his leadership.

He said the Army would continue to improve its welfare packages while investing in training, capacity building, infrastructure development and modern operational capabilities to enhance combat effectiveness.

The COAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and its unwavering commitment to supporting the Federal Government in safeguarding the nation’s unity and democratic institutions.

He disclosed that the Army would continue reviewing its operational strategies and transforming its processes to effectively confront emerging and anticipated security threats across the country.

“As an Army, we will continue to transform our processes and review our operational activities to effectively tackle the current and anticipated security challenges within our environment,” he stated.

Shaibu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

He noted that recent improvements in operational capabilities, troop welfare, logistics, training and infrastructure development had been made possible through the Federal Government’s sustained support.

According to him, the Army’s successes would also not have been possible without the cooperation of other security agencies, civil authorities, host communities, development partners and the families who stand behind every soldier.

Speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2026, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said it reflected the Army’s renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships with Nigerians in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.

He described the gala night as an opportunity for officers, soldiers and guests to reflect on the Army’s achievements, deepen camaraderie and renew their collective commitment to national service.

The COAS encouraged participants to interact, build stronger relationships and appreciate Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as showcased during the event.

He also commended members of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 Central Organising Committee and the various local organising committees for their dedication, resourcefulness and hard work in ensuring the success of the anniversary celebration.

He urged them to sustain the momentum until the grand finale of the celebration.

Shaibu congratulated all officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of its 160th anniversary, describing their dedication, loyalty and professionalism as the bedrock of Nigeria’s peace, security and stability.

“As we look ahead, let us remain resolute in our duty, steadfast in our resolve and united in our purpose,” he said.

The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is held annually to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army and recognise the sacrifices, achievements and contributions of its personnel in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting internal security operations.

The 2026 edition, which marks the Army’s 160th anniversary, will culminate with the grand finale scheduled for Monday in Port Harcourt.