By Sumaila Ogbaje

When officers, soldiers and defence stakeholders gathered in Port Harcourt for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, the occasion represented far more than another military anniversary.

It provided an opportunity to reflect on 163 years of dedicated service and honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes.

It also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements and efforts to reposition itself to confront a complex security environment.

Established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, the Nigerian Army has evolved from a modest colonial force into one of Africa’s largest and most experienced land forces.

Its history mirrors Nigeria’s own evolution, spanning the civil war, peace support operations across Africa and the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other emerging security threats.

Today, the Army operates across the country’s six geopolitical zones under various joint operations, confronting asymmetric threats that have continuously replaced conventional warfare.

In spite of these challenges, the Army says sustained offensive operations, improved intelligence and enhanced collaboration with sister services and other security agencies have continued to degrade criminal and terrorist networks while protecting lives and critical national assets.

The 163rd anniversary also underscored Nigeria’s growing role in regional security cooperation.

As part of NADCEL 2026, the Nigerian Army hosted the Third African Land Forces Forum, bringing together army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries to deliberate on terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats confronting the continent.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said integrating the forum into NADCEL reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military diplomacy, regional cooperation and collective security across Africa.

According to him, terrorism, insurgency, organised crime and other transnational threats have become increasingly complex, making collaboration among African armies imperative.

Shaibu said Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the importance of adaptive strategies, effective air support, intensive training, intelligence-driven operations and regional cooperation.

He noted that the successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force in degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories within the Lake Chad Basin further demonstrated the value of collective action.

The COAS expressed confidence that the forum would deepen interoperability, promote knowledge sharing and produce practical strategies capable of strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture.

For Shaibu, NADCEL 2026 also marked another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s transformation journey.

He said the nationwide activities reflected the institution’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and national cohesion while reinforcing its constitutional responsibility to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.

According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” captures the Army’s determination to balance operational effectiveness with improved service to Nigerians.

He paid tribute to fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, remain the foundation for building a safer and more secure nation, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to personnel welfare and continuous enhancement of operational capabilities.

Speaking at the grand finale of NADCEL 2026, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the Nigerian Army remains a strategic pillar of national security.

He noted that the Army’s professionalism and resilience have continued to preserve Nigeria’s unity while contributing to peace and stability across Africa.

The President said the changing security environment requires a modern, agile and highly motivated Army, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in personnel welfare, training, modern equipment and operational capabilities.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers, soldiers and the families of fallen heroes, stressing that a well-motivated military remains indispensable to national peace, security and development.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces through patriotism, intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies, emphasising that national security is a shared responsibility.

Observers say the President’s commitment aligns with the Army’s “Soldier First” initiative introduced by Shaibu, which places personnel welfare at the centre of operational effectiveness through improved accommodation, healthcare, education, training and modern equipment.

Military analysts believe the initiative has boosted morale and reinforced the understanding that a motivated soldier is better equipped to accomplish demanding operational tasks.

Beyond combat operations, experts say the Army’s increasing emphasis on civil-military cooperation reflects the realities of contemporary warfare.

According to them, intelligence provided by local communities has become one of the most effective tools in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Consequently, the Army has expanded medical outreaches, educational support, environmental sanitation campaigns and community development projects aimed at strengthening public confidence and fostering stronger civil-military relations.

Analysts argue that such engagements help bridge the gap between the military and civilians while reinforcing the Army’s constitutional responsibility to serve the people.

Notwithstanding these gains, the Army continues to confront significant challenges.

The changing character of warfare has seen terrorists and other criminal groups deploy drones, improvised explosive devices, encrypted communications and sophisticated propaganda to advance their activities.

Security experts say these developments demand sustained investment in emerging technologies, intelligence capabilities and specialised training.

They also advocate stronger collaboration among security agencies and regional partners to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to transnational threats.

Beyond military operations, analysts maintain that addressing the root causes of insecurity remains critical to achieving lasting peace.

They identify poverty, unemployment, weak governance, limited educational opportunities and communal conflicts as conditions that continue to facilitate recruitment into criminal and extremist groups.

According to them, while military operations create the secure environment required for development, sustainable peace ultimately depends on good governance, economic opportunities and social inclusion.

Retired senior military officers also emphasise the importance of professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to the rules of engagement during internal security operations.

They argue that public confidence in the Armed Forces is strengthened when military operations are conducted with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Nigeria’s contribution to regional and international peace support operations also remains one of the defining features of the Army’s history.

Over the decades, Nigerian troops have served under the mandates of the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, earning recognition for professionalism while enhancing the country’s international standing and enriching the operational experience of its personnel.

As the Army marks 163 years of existence, defence experts say it must continue investing in modern equipment, digital technologies, intelligence capabilities and human capital to remain responsive to evolving security threats.

They also advocate stronger collaboration with research institutions, indigenous defence industries and international partners to promote innovation, self-reliance and technological advancement in defence production.

Equally important, they say, is sustained government support through adequate funding, timely procurement of equipment and continued investment in personnel welfare and leadership development.

For many Nigerians, NADCEL extends beyond colourful parades and ceremonial displays.

It is an opportunity to honour officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation while recognising those who continue to serve under demanding and often dangerous conditions.

Families of fallen heroes and wounded personnel equally view the celebration as recognition of the enormous sacrifices made in preserving Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and stability.

As the Nigerian Army marks 163 years of distinguished service, analysts say its ability to remain professional, adaptive and people-centred will determine its relevance in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

They argue that President Tinubu’s message at NADCEL 2026 reinforces a shared national responsibility; while the government must continue to equip and support the military, citizens must equally contribute through patriotism, intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies.

They also believe the decision to host the African Land Forces Forum alongside NADCEL reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership role in promoting regional military cooperation against terrorism, insurgency and other transnational threats.

Ultimately, the Nigerian Army’s legacy is measured not only by its battlefield achievements but also by its enduring commitment to professionalism, constitutional responsibility and selfless service.

As new security threats continue to emerge, the Army’s sustained transformation, investment in personnel welfare, regional partnerships and commitment to serving the people will remain central to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and sustainable development. (NAN)