The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of the country’s democracy.

He stated this while highlighting the activities for this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration, an annual event to commemorate Nigerian Army establishment, was first held in 1978.

This year’s celebration holds on 6th of July, 2025.

It also marks the day the first shot was fired at Garkem Town in the present-day Cross River State, signifying the commencement of the Civil War.

The Army will also recognize and honour the heroic contributions of its officers and soldiers, past and present on that day.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.

According to him, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration further provides an opportunity for the army to showcase its achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders.

He noted that the army has had to contend with terrorists and other enemies of peace who have caused a plethora of internal security issues.

“The Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty,” he said.

The chief of army staff said there is a renewed drive to transform the Army by placing Nigerian soldiers first.

He said, “The Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.

“A number of activities have been lined up for this year’s celebration and we have since commenced with the traditional Jumat Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services which symbolizes our humble acknowledgement of the Nigerian Army motto, “Victory is from God Alone”.

“On Friday 4 July 2025, there will be commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, free medical outreach programme and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach programme.

“On the same day, there will be public speaking engagement visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army Formations.

“On Saturday 5 July 2025, there will be a lecture at Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues and thereafter we will have the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition.

“In the evening of the same day, there will be a Gala Night with officers and soldiers at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna.

“The event will be rounded up with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on 6 July 2025 where we will witness a military parade, equipment display as well as the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.”

Army Day: We’ll not relent in ensuring security of Nigerians, perpetuity of democracy – COAS