NADCEL 2026: Army Chief Reaffirms Loyalty to Constitution, Calls for Continental Security Cooperation
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and pledged the unwavering commitment of officers and soldiers to defending Nigeria’s democracy, sovereignty and national unity.
Speaking during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, on Monday, Shaibu described the Army as an institution dedicated to serving the Nigerian people while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
He said the Army would continue to strengthen discipline through improved supervision, ethical leadership and adherence to established rules of engagement during operations.
According to him, the ongoing implementation of the Army’s “Soldier-First Culture” initiative is intended to enhance professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness while building greater public confidence in the institution.
The COAS urged Nigerians living in areas affected by military operations to continue cooperating with security forces, explaining that troop deployments are intended to protect law-abiding citizens and isolate violent criminal groups.
Shaibu reiterated the Army’s determination to intensify operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other armed groups threatening national security.
He also used the occasion to commend the participation of Army Chiefs from 16 African countries who attended the celebration, describing their presence as a demonstration of growing continental military cooperation.
The visiting delegations came from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Mauritania, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Shaibu said the growing complexity of security challenges across Africa makes stronger defence partnerships increasingly important, noting that no single country can effectively confront transnational threats in isolation.
He added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to deepening regional military cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability across the continent.
The Army Chief concluded by thanking Nigerians for their continued support and confidence in the Armed Forces, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between the military and the public would contribute to a safer and more prosperous nation.
