The Nigerian Army has called on its officers and soldiers to renew their commitment to faith, patriotism and national service, declaring that protecting Nigeria requires moral conviction alongside operational readiness as it marked the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) Interdenominational Church Service in Abuja.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 13:20 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Author: Nokai Origin
The message came from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in a goodwill address delivered on his behalf by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, during the service held at the All Saints Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, as part of activities commemorating the Army's 163rd anniversary.
The Chief of Army Staff said the anniversary provides an opportunity to thank God for His protection, honour officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, celebrate the dedication of personnel serving across operational theatres and renew the Army's constitutional commitment to protecting the nation and serving its people under the NADCEL 2026 theme, "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army."
The goodwill message also highlighted recent operational gains recorded against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats while reaffirming the Army's "Soldier First" culture, expanded recruitment programme and continued investments in troop welfare, accommodation, healthcare, education, training and operational readiness as key pillars of military effectiveness.
Military Service As A Calling
Building on the Chief of Army Staff's message, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Brigadier General AF Maimagani, described military service as a divine calling, urging personnel to see the defence of Nigeria not merely as a constitutional obligation but as service to God through the protection of humanity.
He reminded officers and soldiers that military knowledge, operational experience and leadership are gifts entrusted to them for the benefit of others, arguing that every effort to protect innocent lives reflects the highest ideals of both military professionalism and Christian service.
Honouring Sacrifice, Praying For Those Who Serve
The spiritual reflection continued with special intercessory prayers led by the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Colonel Reverend BP Myam, who prayed for Nigeria, the Armed Forces, military leadership, troops serving across operational theatres, wounded personnel, veterans and families of colleagues who paid the supreme sacrifice.
The prayers reinforced one of the day's recurring themes that national security depends not only on military capability but also on unity, sacrifice and divine guidance for those entrusted with defending the nation.
When Patriotism Filled The Sanctuary
One of the defining moments of the service came from the choir with a moving rendition of Timi Dakolo's "Greater Nation", which transformed the atmosphere inside the church, drawing visible emotional responses from officers, soldiers and other worshippers. The rendition became a powerful reminder that the defence of Nigeria is sustained by a shared belief in the country's future and the collective responsibility of citizens to build a stronger nation.
Earlier, members of the women's fellowship, Matan Zumunta, also led worshippers in songs of praise to God, celebrating the Armed Forces and Nigeria, and reinforcing messages of unity, sacrifice and hope that echoed throughout the service.
The service drew senior military leadership and government representatives, including the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser, retired Major General Henry Wesley, while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, was represented by the Chief of Defence Communication, Major General Kennedy Osemwegie. They joined Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, veterans, officers, soldiers and members of the Nigerian Army family in prayers marking the Army's anniversary.
Beyond Worship
Viewed alongside the Special Jumu'ah Prayer that formally opened NADCEL 2026, the Interdenominational Church Service reflected the Nigerian Army's deliberate decision to begin its 163rd anniversary with spiritual reflection before ceremonial celebration.
Beyond commemorating another institutional milestone, the service projected an Army seeking to strengthen operational readiness through moral leadership, honour the sacrifices of its personnel, reinforce public trust and remind officers and soldiers that defending Nigeria demands courage of character as much as courage in battle.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, NADCEL 2026, Interdenominational Church Service, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Major General Maxwell Dangana, Brigadier General AF Maimagani, Colonel Reverend BP Myam, Defence and Strategic Affairs, Military Leadership, National Security, Soldier First, Patriotism, Faith and Security, Abuja, Zig Originals
#ZigOriginals #NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmy #NationalSecurity #MilitaryLeadership #Patriotism #FaithAndService #Defence #Nigeria
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