The Nigerian Army has repositioned the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) as a strategic platform to showcase operational transformation, strengthen civil-military relations, deepen public confidence and outline its approach to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through technology, manpower expansion and regional defence cooperation.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja ahead of the celebration.
He said this year’s NADCEL would serve not only as a commemorative event but also as an opportunity to explain the Army’s constitutional role, review operational achievements and present its future priorities to Nigerians.
The celebration, themed; “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” places operational effectiveness alongside public service, national unity and democratic accountability.
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Army leadership traced the institution’s evolution from the 1863 Glover Hausas to the modern Nigerian Army, describing its history as evidence of a force that has continually adapted to changing security realities.
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According to the Chief of Army Staff, troops remain deployed across multiple theatres combating Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other non-state actors, while also supporting civil authorities in maintaining national stability.
The briefing also outlined the Army’s institutional direction since Lieutenant General Shaibu assumed office seven months ago.
Army leadership said ongoing reforms are guided by a command philosophy aimed at building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
Within that framework, the Army identified its “Soldier-First” culture as a key pillar, linking troop welfare and family support to operational readiness and battlefield effectiveness.
The Army disclosed that recruitment capacity has been expanded through the establishment of an additional training depot at Amasiri Edda, creating a third major recruit training institution capable of training about 28,000 additional soldiers.
It added that new brigades and operational units are being established, while force structures are undergoing continuous review to address emerging security threats across the country.
Army Headquarters also highlighted ongoing investments in modern combat platforms, operational enablers, infrastructure upgrades, strategic partnerships and recognition programmes designed to enhance professionalism and reward gallantry.
Beyond domestic reforms, the Army positioned NADCEL 2026 within a broader continental security agenda.
The grand finale in Port Harcourt will feature the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026 with the theme, “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.”
The forum is expected to bring together African Army Chiefs, policymakers, defence manufacturers, security experts and international industry representatives to discuss emerging military technologies, strengthen regional partnerships and promote defence innovation across the continent.
Army leadership said integrating AFRILAFF into NADCEL reflects growing recognition that Africa’s security challenges require stronger multinational cooperation, knowledge sharing and industrial collaboration.
The week-long celebration will feature nationwide Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, secondary school public speaking engagements, a NADCEL lecture, COAS Literary Competition awards, media interactions, NAOWA charity activities, medical outreaches, civil-military cooperation projects, equipment displays, research and development exhibitions, and the annual military parade.
