The Nigerian Army said that this year’s Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) promises to be unique albeit low key, that will showcase the Nigerian Army’s commitment as a professionally responsive force in the discharge of its constitutional roles.




The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai, made this known in a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Army Chief said that Nigerian Army as a force has the constitutional mandate to maintain the country’s territorial integrity.

Therefore, a succinct reminiscence on the history of the Nigerian Army is desirable as my point of departure, to aptly illustrate the milestones so far covered by our noble institution.

He said the history of the Nigerian Army could be traced to 1863, when Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy organized 18 indigenes of Northern Nigerian into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.

“This local force metamorphosed and eventually became part of a larger body established by Lord Fredrick Lugard in 1889, which was named the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) in 1890.

“The Nigerian Army has since then undergone several transformations with consequent changes in name and structure which include the Nigerian Regiment, Queen’s Own Nigerian Regiment, and the Nigerian Military Force.

“At Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, it became known as the Royal Nigerian Army, and finally the “Nigerian Army” in 1963, when Nigeria attained Republican Status. He added.

Buratai said that NADCEL is an annual event which was first celebrated on 6th July 1978, in solemn remembrance of that historic first shot on 6th July, 1967 which marked the commencement of the country’s 30-month Civil War to keep Nigeria one.

“It was equally to bring to the knowledge of all Nigerian Army personnel and indeed all Nigerians the fact that the war was an unfortunate tragedy and the reconciliation afterwards should be instrumental to the strengthening of our national unity.” He said.

He said the Nigerian Army uses the NADCEL week to reflect on its performances in the previous year, for more effective projections and performance.

According to him, this is usually premised on the lessons drawn from the activities of the previous year in pursuant of the NA’s responsibility of maintaining and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as safeguarding lives and property of its citizenry.

Buratai said that this responsibility has become compelling particularly in view of the multifaceted security challenges.

He said that the relocation of the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) to the epicentre of the operations theatre which was a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, has provided the Military Command with more theatre visibility, effective command and control, resulting in continual decimation of the remaining insurgents.

“The theme for this year’s NADCEL which is “Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to meet Contemporary Security Challenges.”




“This further emphasises the resoluteness with which the NA is fighting to bring the menace to a complete halt and restore peace and normalcy to the North East as well as other parts of the country.

“It is also worthy of note that in line with my vision which is “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” we have made remarkable achievements within the last one year including human rights awareness. Buratai said.

The Army Chief reiterated that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will continue to respect all aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as other international principles and guidelines on the subject.

He added that this year’s NADCEL is in two phases.

“The First Phase commenced earlier from 11th to 20th April, 2016 with activities reinforcing the need to shore up fighting capabilities and responsiveness of our troops by injecting into its programme, a Command Post Exercise (CPX).

“During the exercise Commanders, Headquarters elements and Staff of a Brigade were simulated in a deployment, administration and communications play within and between the exercised elements in Alkaleri Forest, Bauchi State.

“This will dovetail into the Second Phase from 11 – 14 July, 2016 in which troops of 1 Brigade would be engaged in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) involving realistic and varying war situations in Bakura Forest, Gusau Zamfara State.” He added.

Buratai noted that aside providing ample opportunities for equipment and weapons testing, the exercises would also serve to sharpen the tactical skills of individual officers and soldiers, as well as improve the operational readiness of the formation.

He said that it would also serve as deterrent to cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminals hibernating in those areas.

“Other activities lined up to mark the celebration include, Juma’at Prayers in all Nigerian Army formations and units on Friday 1 July, 2016 and will be followed on Saturday 2 July, 2016 by a major Environmental Sanitation Exercise which will be carried out along Abuja–Keffi Road, and in other respective Nigerian Army formations and units in the country.

“Interdenominational Church Service will also be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units across the nation on Sunday 3 July, 2016 while on Monday 11 July, 2016, I will pay Courtesy Calls on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State and the Emir of Gusau.” The Army Chief said.

According to him, this year’s NADCEL, will also enable the Nigerian Army reach out to the public through its Medical Outreach Program on Tuesday 12 July, 2016, during which inhabitants of Gusau and other communities in its environs will benefit from free medical diagnosis and treatment.

He drew the attention of the public that the medical outreach will also take place in all formations of the Nigerian Army concurrently.

“There will be a Camp Fire to symbolise the end of the FTX. Subsequently, there will be an equipment display at the Old Airport, Gusau during which deserving officers and soldiers will be honoured with COAS Commendation Award.” He added.

Buratai said that the army will remain a “partner in progress” with the press, and urged the press to remain committed in the fight against terrorism.

“I must urge you therefore, to put national interest above any other consideration and to tread the path of honour by not joining any band wagon to report unverified negativities to the detriment of our national peace and security.” He said.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/chief-army-staff-briefs-media-army-day-2016-celebration/