President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this at the opening of the Chief of Army Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, according to a statement by the army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele.

The president pledged his government’s continued support for the armed forces to enable them to effectively discharge their duties.

He paid tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, describing their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory as pillars that have shaped the Nigerian Army and sustained its fighting spirit.

Mr Tinubu said the presence of former service chiefs and elder statesmen at the conference underscored the armed forces’ enduring heritage and professionalism.

He commended officers and soldiers for their courage and patriotism, noting that their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain etched in the nation’s history.

Mr Tinubu said the conference provided a critical platform for strategic reflection, evaluation, and improvement in training, administration, and operations, especially amid evolving security challenges.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa described the conference as a vital forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness, and aligning the army’s direction with national security priorities.

Mr Musa stressed the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration, and a whole-of-society approach to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

He urged commanders to ensure that conference outcomes translate into concrete results on the battlefield.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, thanked the president for sustained political will and strategic support for the army and acknowledged the support of the National Assembly.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remained at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminalities, adding that the force was transforming into a more professional, adaptive, and technology-driven army.

Also speaking, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State assured the army of continued support.

The event was attended by senior government officials, service chiefs, former chiefs of defence and army staff, senior military officers, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

The conference is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic issues to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity.

(NAN)