Tinubu charges Nigerian Army to Stay Apolitical

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian Army to maintain its apolitical stance and adhere to constitutional boundaries.

The President said this at the opening ceremony of the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Lagos.

He reminded the military that its primary focus remains to protect the nation and its citizens.

Tinubu, who was represent at the event by Vice President Kashim Shittima, urged the military to consolidate on the gains achieved while charting a clear and purposeful path that will further strengthen the national security architecture.

“The Nigerian Army has always been a true friend of the nation, and this administration will continue to provide full support to ensure that the Nigerian Army will meet it’s constitutional mandate of safeguarding our territorial integrity.

“We have followed closely the impressive progress in transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, and resilient force capable of operating decisively within a joint army agency environment.

“I commend the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu and all officers and soldiers for the quality of vision and sense of purpose which you continue to lead and serve.

“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This is the reason it stands as one of the eight priority areas of our Renewable Hope Agenda.

“This government remains committed to mobilizing all military and law-enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“You must remain steadfast in this mission, guided by discipline, professionalism, and devotion to our national ideals.

“Following the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation, and the training of pilots who have advanced the procurement of additional mines, ballistic and amphibious protective vehicles, armored vehicles, and transport vehicles.

“We have also refurbished over 100 armored fighting vehicles and they have now been returned to active service. This is a resolve and clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.

“I know that you have made a couple of achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism, and other criminal activities. The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operations are encouraging and stand the testimony to your courage, resilience, and professionalism.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said Nigeria’s military history is deeply intertwined with the national journey—from the early years of independence, through periods of profound challenges and transition, and to the present democratic dispensation.

He stated that through this journey, the Nigerian Army has remained a defining institution in preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguarding national unity.

“History has consistently shown that security is a fundamental prerequisite for development. There can be no enduring progress without security, and no security without a capable, disciplined and professional military.”

On his part, the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant-General Christopher Musa highlighted the Importance of the conference, particularly in light of the complex and evolving security environment confronting the nation.

He said Nigeria has continued to face a combination of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other asymmetric threats, which according to him, demand sustained strategic focus, clarity of purpose and adaptive leadership.

“While security challenges persist, it is evident that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal elements has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres. These gains reflect the courage of our troops, improved planning and execution, and the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework.

“The reality remains that no single service, institution or individual can address today’s security challenges alone. Success can only be sustained through unity of effort and a whole-of-society approach. Joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and close collaboration among security agencies are no longer optional; they are fundamental requirements for effective national defence,” he said.

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