Senate hails Nigerian Army at 163, calls for stronger civil-military relations

The Nigerian Senate has extended congratulations to the Nigerian Army, its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and all its personnel on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The Senate described the 163rd anniversary as a significant milestone in the nation's military history.

In a statement, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, urged officers and soldiers to uphold professionalism and steadfast commitment to their constitutional responsibilities. He assured them of the Senate's ongoing support. Yar’Adua highlighted the army's consistent role in defending Nigeria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security for over a century.

Addressing the celebration's theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Yar’Adua noted its reflection of the army's mandate and the critical need for improved public relations. He stressed that national security relies not only on military strength but also on public trust and cooperation. The senator paid tribute to troops engaged in combating terrorism and banditry across various operational theaters and honored those who lost their lives in service, wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

The Senate Committee on Army reaffirmed its dedication to providing legislative support, oversight, and resources to bolster the Nigerian Army. Yar’Adua mentioned ongoing legislative efforts, including reviewing the Armed Forces Act, to ensure an effective legal framework, enhance welfare, and improve the military's capacity to tackle contemporary security challenges. He expressed optimism that the celebration would foster greater public appreciation for the army's contributions, promote patriotism, and strengthen civil-military relations nationwide.

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national security depends not only on military capability but also on public trust, confidence and cooperation.