The Nigerian Army has announced that its 2025 Army Day Celebration will feature a series of nationwide events aimed at showcasing achievements, honouring personnel, and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders in the quest to safeguard national peace, security, and values.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who made this known during a media briefing on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at Army Headquarters in Abuja, highlighted the significance of the annual event.
He was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi.
The Army Day Celebration, held annually on 6 July, commemorates the founding of the Nigerian Army. It marks the firing of the first shot of the Nigerian Civil War in Garkem, present-day Cross River State. The first celebration was held in 1978.
General Oluyede noted that “this year, the Nigerian Army is celebrating 162 years of service to our great nation, Nigeria—that is over a century and a half of selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and, above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our beloved country.”
He added that “the celebration also affords us the opportunity to recognise and honour the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers, past and present.”
Reflecting on the current security environment, the Army Chief acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorism and internal threats, stating that “in recent times, Nigeria has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues.”
He emphasised that the Army has remained resilient, saying “the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny the terrorists the opportunity to disrupt the socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of the nation’s sovereignty.” He added that “in this vein, the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.”
This year’s theme, Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive, will be reflected through a range of activities, particularly in Kaduna State.
These include the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects, a golf tournament, a free medical outreach, and a Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) charity initiative. Public speaking engagements will also take place at selected secondary schools across Army formations nationwide.
Other events include a lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna on topical security issues, an award ceremony for the 2nd Chief of Army Staff Annual Literary Competition, and a Gala Night with officers and soldiers at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.
The celebration will culminate on 6 July with a grand military parade, an equipment display, and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.