NADCEL 2026: CAS Hails Nigerian Army at 163, Reaffirms Air Force Support to Joint Operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary, describing its history as one of courage, sacrifice and military excellence, while reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening joint operations to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
The CAS stated this on Monday during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 in Port Harcourt.
The event was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside senior military officers, government officials, foreign defence chiefs, veterans and other dignitaries.
Aneke paid tribute to the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of distinguished service to the nation, noting that its rich military heritage continues to inspire generations of service personnel.
He particularly recalled the exploits of Nigerian soldiers during the Second World War, especially their role in the 1941 East African Campaign, which he described as one of the fastest military advances in modern history.
According to him, the courage, resilience and professionalism demonstrated by Nigerian troops during the campaign laid a strong foundation for the Army’s enduring tradition of excellence in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic values.
“The remarkable achievements of those gallant soldiers continue to inspire today’s Nigerian Army as it confronts contemporary security threats with dedication and professionalism,” he said.
The CAS also underscored the strategic partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, describing it as a critical factor in the Armed Forces’ operational successes across various theatres of operation.
He said the Nigerian Air Force continued to leverage its unique advantages of height, speed and reach to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, air mobility, precision strike capabilities and close air support for ground forces.
According to him, these capabilities enable land forces to seize the initiative, dominate the battlespace and accomplish operational objectives with greater speed, precision and effectiveness.
Highlighting the level of inter-service cooperation displayed during the celebration, Aneke noted that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft successfully airlifted and deployed military skydivers during the event, demonstrating the Air Force’s strategic airlift capability and operational readiness in support of joint missions.
He said the display reflected the increasing integration between air and land components of the Armed Forces and showcased the nation’s growing capacity to project military power across vast distances.
“The enduring integration of air and land capabilities has consistently produced tangible operational successes and remains a testament to Nigeria’s collective resolve to safeguard the nation,” he said.
The CAS congratulated the Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, officers, soldiers, veterans and families of the Nigerian Army on the historic milestone.
He commended their patriotism, resilience and unwavering commitment to national service despite the complex security environment.
Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to projecting purposeful and decisive air power in support of surface forces while deepening jointness, interoperability and operational integration among the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that the Nigerian Army’s distinguished wartime legacy and consistent record of service remained a powerful reminder that unity of purpose, professionalism and effective joint operations were indispensable to achieving lasting peace and overcoming Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
