NADCEL 2026: Army offers special Friday prayers in Kaduna, lauds troops’ sacrifice
The Nigerian Army on Friday held a special Juma’at prayer in Kaduna as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, with senior military officers commending troops for their sacrifices in defending the nation.
The prayer session, held at the 1 Division Central Mosque, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, formed part of activities commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army with the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, congratulated officers, soldiers, civilian staff, veterans and their families.
Shaibu described the Juma’at prayer as an opportunity to thank God for His mercies, reflect on the Army’s journey, celebrate its achievements and honour personnel who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the service to the nation.
He said the Nigerian Army had remained a symbol of patriotism, resilience and dedication to national service for 163 years, adapting to emerging security challenges while remaining committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration calls for introspection, renewal and rededication to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation and serving the people.
The COAS said troops have remained actively engaged in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities threatening peace and stability across the country.
He noted that the Army had recorded notable successes across various theatres of operation through the courage, professionalism and dedication of officers and soldiers working in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
Shaibu commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline and commitment to duty, adding that the Army’s command philosophy is anchored in professionalism, operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
He explained that the “Soldier First” culture remained central to his leadership philosophy, stressing that the welfare of personnel through improved accommodation, healthcare, training opportunities and educational support remained a priority.
The COAS also said the Federal Government’s directive for increased recruitment into the Army had significantly enhanced its operational capacity and ability to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.
He assured that newly recruited personnel would receive adequate training, proper equipment and professional development to enable them contribute meaningfully to national security.
Shaibu paid tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives defending the nation, while also acknowledging wounded personnel and veterans whose sacrifices continued to inspire younger generations of soldiers.
He equally appreciated families of military personnel for their patience, understanding and sacrifices, describing their support as a critical pillar of the Army’s operational success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special Juma’at prayer was led by Col. Muhammad Buhari, while prayers were also offered for peace, unity, stability and prosperity in Nigeria as well as for troops deployed in various operational theatres across the country.
