The Nigeria Army, on Monday, unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing national security.
The activities, aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army, include a public dialogue on: “The Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment.
The dialogue is aimed to underscore the importance of transformation for combat readiness and national security.
The Army said it is also planning engagements at secondary schools nationwide, aimed at promoting patriotism and selfless service. This will be accompanied by a free medical outreach and the commissioning of quick impact projects within host communities.
Marking the 161st anniversary of the Nigerian Army, these measures are part of the activities planned for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, which seeks to address contemporary security challenges and strengthen the Armys capabilities.
Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, while fielding questions from newsmen at the Army headquarters, Abuja, highlighted the historical significance of the Nigerian Army, tracing its origins back to 1863 when Lieutenant Glover, of the British Royal Navy, organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force, known as the Glover Hausas.
Over the years, this force evolved into the modern Nigerian Army, playing crucial roles in national defense and international peace-keeping efforts.
This years celebration, themed: Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment, aims to underscore the importance of transformation for combat readiness and national security.
Plateau State has been chosen to host the event, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the press for their long-standing partnership, urging them to provide extensive coverage of the celebration and reassured the nation of the Armys commitment to defending Nigerias territorial integrity and national security, emphasising the importance of synergy with sister services and other security agencies.
He also called on all Nigerians to support the Army and other security agencies in their efforts to resolve the countrys security challenges, promising that the Nigerian Army will continue to conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to ensure peace and stability.
