DEFENCE
Celebrating Nigerian Army at 157
By SK Usman
On June 30th, 2015 then as a Colonel and Acting Director Army Public Relations, in the Nigerian Army, I wrote a piece titled “Celebrating the Nigerian Army at 152” (https://newsdiaryonline.com/celebrating-nigerian-army-at-152-by-col-sani-kukasheka-usman/) in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) for that year.
That was five years ago.In 2018, I also penned a piece in celebration of the Nigerian Army to commemorate the NADCEL for that year titled “Celebrating the Nigerian Soldier at 155 (https://www.
blueprint.ng/nadcel-2018-celebrating-nigerian-soldier-155-sani-kukasheka-usman/). It is July again and the Nigerian Army as usual is celebrating its annual day, NADCEL 2020, with an interesting theme, “Nigeria’s Territorial Defence and Sovereignty: Imperatives for Nigerian Army’s Sustained Training and Operations.” The focus on these key issues is highly commendable in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country.The reasons for those articles were to acknowledge and celebrate the modest achievements and immense role and contributions of the Nigerian Soldier to peace and security of our dear nation and national development. From that time to date, a lot has happened to the Nigerian Army and our beloved country. The Nigerian Army has continued to move to greater heights despite distractions and protracted security challenges with meagre resources.
Today, Nigeria and the world are experiencing the unimaginable scale of COVID-19 pandemic. These happenings have impacted on the Nigerian Army, our nation and the world at large.
Now that the Nigerian Army is celebrating its day, it is time for sober reflection, and critical reappraisal from the perspective of someone who served meritoriously, had seen it all and voluntarily retired from the Army, a little over a year now.
The past 16 months of civilian life has been quite interesting and has given me ample opportunity to reflect and have additional perspective about the Nigerian Army. As I mingled among fellow civilians, I have gained more insight on the public’s feelings and perception about the military and the Nigerian Army in particular.
Surprisingly, it is a mixture of knocks and praises. Some people have a good understanding and full of commendation. Others are ill-informed and ignorant of what military service and life entails. Hence, do not appreciate or understand the complexities and sacrifices of the military, let alone appreciate its noble contribution to our peace, security and national development. But the most worrisome aspect is the fact that some unpatriotic politicians, detractors and disgruntled elements who envy the successes and achievements of the leadership of the Nigerian Army, for some inexplicable reasons seem to be behind these campaigns of calumny. They are the ones fanning the embers of hatred, disinformation and false narratives about the Nigerian Army.
Within the last five years alone, the Nigerian Army under the able leadership of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and grand strategic direction of President Muhammadu Buhari has made giant strides in various spheres of endeavour that cut across strategy, operation, training, administration and logistics.
The welfare of troops has dramatically improved. Its order of battle has been greatly modified with new formations and units created to reflect the needs and difficulties of the time.
These include the creation of two additional divisions, commands, numerous brigades, units and sub-units. Its dynamism in tactical and operational manoeuvres has brought about the setting up of super camps and motorcycle battalions. The operations are ever dynamic, responding to the changing security situations and terrorists modus operandi. Training schools have been upgraded and adequately funded and equipped. The Army has an Aviation Corps, Women Corps and a University, in addition to an Army War College and the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, a think tank for defence and security issues.
New hospitals have been constructed, while most of the existing ones have been upgraded and equipped, same with barracks accommodation. This year’s celebration though very modest, has recorded the highest number of commissioned projects and humanitarian activities in various parts of the country in the recent history of the Nigerian Army.
One other reason to further doff our hats for the Army is the way they rose to the occasion on the emergence of the COVID-19 on our shores.
Despite being occupied with battlefield operations, the Nigerian Army ensured strict adherence to COVID-19 protocol. It kept the disease off the barracks, and it went the extra mile of complementing government efforts by providing palliatives to needy communities. Therefore, the Nigerian Army has every reason to celebrate itself based on these accomplishments and for the sake of morale.
Nevertheless, despite these modest achievements, some pessimists have not seen the reason for celebration, pointing at the security challenges in the northeast and north-west geopolitical zones particularly. However, if we recall the state of affairs, particularly, in the northeast before 2015, we have every cause to glorify God and thank the military and security agencies and in particular, the Nigerian Army for dealing decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast.
The terrorists have been drastically degraded and denied freedom of action, the Army has continued to do its best and is determined to succeed in that regard. The current wave of operations in the north-west and recently launched “Exercise SAHEL SANITY” will put to bed the activities of the bandits. The people of north west geopolitical zone and, Katsina and Zamfara States welcome this operation. Therefore, we all need to celebrate, support and encourage the Nigerian Army.
In my quiet moments, I realised that there were so many questions begging for answers as to why, despite these accomplishments, the Nigerian Army has continued to be misunderstood and be the “whipping boy” of some people. Why is it that some mischievous elements are always determined to rub mud on every laudable action of the Nigerian Army? Are they working alone or in active connivance with insiders? What is their grouse or grievances if any? Why is the Army not getting the desired support and cooperation from those statutorily mandated to do so? Unless we find satisfactory answers to these questions and nip them in the bud, the Army will continue to be unappreciated.
However, it is essential to state that many officers and soldiers are living in delusion as to why they joined or were enlisted into the Army, hence the reoccurring reported cases of acts of indiscipline and other misdemeanours.
Although the Army has so much to celebrate and be proud of, it is pertinent to point out that there is an urgent need for critical self-appraisal. I want to implore the leadership, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to understand that the nation expects so much from them and cannot afford to disappoint us.
You must, therefore, continue to do your best, serve diligently with utmost zeal and determination. There is a need to be guided by the long-cherished ethics and traditions of courage, bravery, loyalty and professionalism. You have a responsibility to make the nation more secure and continue to safeguard our democracy.
This could only be achieved if you remain focused, resolute and work collectively in the discharge of your Constitutional roles. The military service in Nigeria is voluntary, if you cannot withstand the heat, you should get the hell out of the kitchen.
To Lance Corporal Martins of this world and those pushing them, my advice is that they should know that the Nigerian Army is not a man-o-war organisation. It is a noble profession for the most fitting and befitting.
It is important to note that the Nigerian Army remains the most dependable organisation in the whole public structure of Nigeria and has recorded numerous achievements than any other organisation. It has remained a symbol of national unity and cohesion and kept Nigeria one unified entity.
It has sustained the current democratic governance in Nigeria and remain one of the formidable symbol of our national power. The Nigerian Army has gone beyond its statutory responsibility to undertake numerous operations and humanitarian activities in aid of civil authority to maintain peace and security in support of democratic governance. This is something to be proud of, cherished and celebrated.
In conclusion, people should know that the Nigerian Army is their Army and whatever affects it has direct consequences to national security and unity. Therefore, the unnecessary distraction and campaign of calumny against the leadership and the Nigerian Army generally, are not in the best interest of this nation.
As Nigerians we should be proud of our Armed Forces in line with what is obtained in other climes. Nigerians should come together and support the Army to succeed in its constitutional responsibility.
Happy NADCEL 2020 @ 157 Nigerian Army! We are proud of you more than ever before!
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni FNIPR fapra, is the immediate past Director of Army Public Relations and is currently a public relations consultant in Abuja. He is also the Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. He can be reached on his twitter handle @skusman
The Nigerian Army has reiterated the need for intensified training to enhance operational effectiveness and sustain battlefield readiness across all formations.
The Director, Support Services, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Isiaka Olatunji, said this at the opening of the 2026 Guards Brigade Corporals and Below Competition on Monday in Abuja.
Olatunji said training remained the backbone of military efficiency, stressing that no army could succeed in contemporary security operations without continuous skill development and rigorous field exercises.
He explained that the competition was designed to test the physical, mental and tactical proficiency of junior soldiers who form the backbone of operational execution within the Nigerian Army.
He said “we must train harder to ensure operational effectiveness. Training is not optional; it is essential for survival and success on the battlefield.”
According to him, corporals and below represent the category of personnel who directly execute missions in the field, often in close contact with adversaries.
“You are the ones who execute missions. You come face to face with the enemy at the tactical level,” he added.
The director noted that the exercise would strengthen resilience, discipline, teamwork and combat readiness among participating troops.
He said the Guards Brigade, known for its ceremonial and operational responsibilities in the Federal Capital Territory, remained a critical formation in the defence architecture of the country.
Olatunji urged participants to embrace the training opportunities provided by the competition, describing excellence as “a product of continuous challenge and discipline.”
He also charged troops to uphold professionalism and demonstrate a high level of competence throughout the exercise.
On his part, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said “the competition aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of building a more adaptive, resilient and combat-ready force.”
Onasanya said the exercise would assess weapon handling skills, physical fitness and decision-making abilities of participants.
He added that the outcome of the competition would contribute significantly to determining troop readiness for operational deployments.
The annual Guards Brigade Corporals and Below Competition brings together units for intensive drills and tactical exercises, aimed at improving efficiency and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, academics and other security professionals have advocated transition from heavy reliance on physical personnel to technology innovation in tackling insecurity in the country.
They stated the position in Abuja on Monday, at an event to celebrate Peter Olumuji, who bagged a Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) in Security and Strategic Studies, from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Olumuji is the Secretary of the FCT Administration Command and Control Centre.
The centre was established to improve security in the FCT by collating and analysing security intelligence feeds from drones, Closed-Circuit Television cameras and other technological devices.
The IGP, who chaired the event, said academic certification was crucial for modern security personnel and urged officers to get certified for the specialised roles they perform.
He commended Olumuji, fondly called “Mr Sharp Sharp”, for always getting any job assigned to him done with speed.
“He is a paragon of honesty and professional persistence. Whenever there is a task, he stays on your neck to ensure it is completed.
“I learned this from him: start a job, put a plan to it, and follow it to the end,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, who supervised Olumuji’s thesis, said that the security and strategic studies programme was vital to winning the war against insecurity.
Ayuba said, “Training experts at this level is now essential to nip security challenges in the bud”.
He praised the celebrant’s dedication to genuine learning saying; “while some students wanted to get a degree by any means, Olumuji was ready to learn.
“We didn’t just work together; we published research papers together,” Ayuba noted.
Similarly, Dr Stephen Okore of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, stressed the need for professionalism in security agencies to ensure competency in tackling insecurity.
Okore described Olumuji as a “gentleman and a good leader” who served as their class governor throughout their master’s and PhD programmes.
On his part, Adamu Gwary, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, said that Olumuji’s academic achievement was the outcome of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s transformation of the FCT security architecture.
Gwary noted that the department was being increasingly populated by holders of PhD, which he said would inject logical thinking in tackling security challenges in the FCT.
“This means that security matters will be handled with innovative responsiveness.
“With the current security situation, this intellectual capacity will ensure that the security department provides the needed expertise in tackling insecurity,” he said.
Responding, Olumuji said that his doctoral research underscored the need for a critical shift in Nigeria’s security strategy.
He emphasised the need for the transition from heavy reliance on physical personnel to the integration of advanced technology.
“By introducing more technology, we reduce the reliance on manpower.
“This is more effective in saving the lives of our gallant men and women in the military and law enforcement, who face risks in the field,” he said.
The Nigerian Army said troops recorded major operational gains, including interception of suspected logistics supplies, foiling terrorist attacks and rescuing kidnapped victims across theatres in the last 24 hours.
Operational report on Monday, revealed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) intercepted a truck conveying large quantities of medical supplies suspected to be meant for terrorist elements in the North-East.
The report said the interception occurred at a checkpoint in Nguru, Yobe, where the driver initially presented a waybill for beverages and household items.
According to the report, a detailed search revealed hundreds of cartons of drugs, including antibiotics, injections, bandages and other medical items.
The report said the driver and three occupants were apprehended, adding that the suspect later confessed the consignment was bound for the Republic of Chad through Geidam.
“In a related development, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist in Ngamdu, Borno, who confessed he was sent from Jilli to procure food items for insurgents.
“The suspect disclosed that terrorists were currently converging around Gubio and Magumeri areas.
“Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Monguno, who were allegedly facilitating movement of a terrorist’s family members.
“Items recovered from them included mobile phones, cash and other personal effects, while a woman and her three children linked to a terrorist kingpin were later apprehended,” the report said.
It also revealed that troops foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
The report added that troops engaged the insurgents during an ambush, forcing them to flee and abandoning weapons and other items, adding that follow-up operations led to rescue of three kidnapped victims from a terrorist enclave.
“In Bama Local Government Area, troops destroyed a terrorist camp during clearance operations, forcing insurgents to withdraw under pressure.
“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven recovered weapons from suspects during stop-and-search operations in Plateau.
“They also arrested a suspected gunrunner and rescued additional kidnapped victims in Bauchi following exploitation of earlier airstrikes.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, troops conducting anti-illegal mining operations raided a site in Gwagwalada, recovering mining equipment, while suspects fled,” it added.
In the Southern part of the country, the report said troops of Operation Delta Safe responded to a communal clash in Delta, restoring normalcy after one person was killed.
It said troops also intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations in Rivers, destroying illegal refining sites and recovering large volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations, disrupting logistics networks and ensuring security across the country.
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