President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies to take firm and decisive action against terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and separatist agitators across the country.
The order was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), held on Sunday, July 6, at Murtala Square in Kaduna.
“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now,” Shettima declared on behalf of the president.
“You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation,” Tinubu said. “You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers.”
He warned that insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and separatist agitations now pose serious threats to the country’s survival and should no longer be seen as minor disruptions.
“These evils do not discriminate, they destroy churches and mosques alike and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith,” the president said.
Tinubu pledged unwavering support to the Armed Forces, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in intelligence, training, equipment, and manpower needed to secure Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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“We are not oblivious to the challenges confronting our nation. But let it be said plainly: our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising,” he said. “I assure you that this administration stands firmly with you on that path.”
The president paid tribute to soldiers who have died or been wounded in service, saying their sacrifices would always be remembered.
“Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty. Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name,” Tinubu said. “Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations.”
He also recognised the vital role played by military families, especially through the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, for sustaining morale during deployments.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and long live our Armed Forces,” he added.
The grand event featured military parades, tactical displays, and exhibitions of modern equipment. Dignitaries, traditional leaders, and residents of Kaduna came out in large numbers to witness the occasion.
Notable guests included former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, former Army Chiefs, federal lawmakers, service chiefs, and royal fathers.