The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has said Nigerian Army will deal with those who are hell-bent on sabotaging the perpetuity of Nigeria’s democracy.
He said Nigerian Army also would not relent in neutralizing terrorists whom he described as “the enemies of peace and agents of chaos” nor will it give them chance to disrupt the nation’s borders
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Oluyede gave the warning at Army Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, when he briefed journalists on the activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 (NADCEL 2025).
Themed of Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”.
COAS who spoke at the briefing through the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major-General Gold Chibuisi said no one would be allowed to smear the sanctity of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“In recent times, our nation 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.
“Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty.
“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.
He explained that “The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of our national values.”
COAS noted that the Celebration, which was first held in 1978 has become an annual event to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army.
The celebration specifically marks the day the first shot was fired at Garkem town in the present-day Cross River State, signifying the commencement of the Nigerian Civil War.
Even as he briefed on Wednesday, troops of Operation Hadin Kai were engaged in a fierce gun duel with Boko Haram terrorists in their enclaves in the Lake Chad Basin and troops killed at least 10 of the terrorists .