President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Army to maintain its apolitical posture and operate strictly within constitutional boundaries, stressing that the military’s primary responsibility is the protection of Nigeria and its citizens.
The President gave the charge at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference currently holding in Lagos. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu urged the Army to consolidate on existing gains while pursuing a clear and strategic path to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
“The Nigerian Army has always been a true friend of the nation, and this administration will continue to provide full support to ensure it fulfils its constitutional mandate of safeguarding our territorial integrity,” the President said.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Army, for their leadership, professionalism and sense of purpose, noting the progress made in transforming the force into a professional, adaptable and resilient institution capable of operating effectively in joint and inter-agency environments.
Tinubu reiterated that security remains a top priority of his administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as essential to national development.
“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains committed to mobilising all military and law-enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
The President highlighted recent investments aimed at boosting the Army’s operational readiness, including the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation, the training of pilots, procurement of additional mines, ballistic and amphibious protective vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and transport vehicles.
He added that over 100 armoured fighting vehicles have been refurbished and returned to active service, describing the efforts as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to strengthen the Army.
Tinubu also acknowledged the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities, noting that positive reports from various theatres of operation reflect the courage, resilience and professionalism of Nigerian troops.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the history of the Nigerian military is closely linked with the nation’s evolution, from independence through periods of crisis to the present democratic era.
He described the Nigerian Army as a central institution in preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national unity, stressing that security is a prerequisite for sustainable development.
“History has shown that there can be no enduring progress without security, and no security without a capable, disciplined and professional military,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Christopher Musa, underscored the significance of the annual conference, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.
He noted that the country continues to contend with terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other asymmetric threats, which require sustained strategic focus, adaptive leadership and coordinated responses.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Musa said the operational capacity of terrorist groups and criminal elements has been significantly weakened across several theatres of operation.
“These gains reflect the courage of our troops, improved planning and execution, and the impact of coordinated joint and multi-agency operations,” he said.
He emphasised that no single service or institution can tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone, calling for stronger collaboration, intelligence sharing and a whole-of-society approach to national defence.
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