The Nigerian Government has called on citizens to combine prayer with active civic responsibility in confronting the country’s security challenges, arguing that national security cannot be sustained by government and the Armed Forces alone.
The message was delivered during the Special Jumu’ah Prayer marking the commencement of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle as contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Minister of State for Defence, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in praying for the nation and its leaders, describing the responsibility as both a civic obligation and an expression of faith.
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Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, he said patriotism must extend beyond words and emotions to actions that strengthen national security and protect citizens’ lives and wellbeing.
The ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, formed part of activities for this year’s NADCEL themed, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
Expanding on the security message, the Director of the Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, challenged the perception that security rests solely with government institutions.
He argued that communities that remain passive in the face of criminal activity inadvertently allow insecurity to deepen.
Drawing lessons from Maiduguri, Brigadier General Musa said sustained cooperation between residents and security agencies helped deny insurgents control of the city and forced them into surrounding areas. He maintained that lasting security requires citizens and government to confront criminal elements together rather than placing the entire burden on security forces.
The prayer session was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, senior military officers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and other invited guests.
The event reinforced this year’s Nigerian Army Day theme by projecting security as a shared national responsibility that combines operational capability, public cooperation and sustained national unity.
