Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the defence of democratic values and the protection of lives and property, assuring Nigerians of the military’s resolve to ensure lasting peace and security across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Oluyede said the military high command would continue to build a highly professional Armed Forces driven by a collective mindset and guided by its constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that the Armed Forces, working in collaboration with other security agencies and civil authorities, and drawing from the invaluable lessons of veterans, would confront Nigeria’s security challenges with renewed determination.
The CDS paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who, he said, paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty, describing Remembrance Day as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that underpin the peace and freedoms Nigerians enjoy.
“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow’, and their legacy of courage remains etched in the annals of our nation’s history forever,” he said, adding that their devotion to duty was an expression of patriotism beyond measure.
He also acknowledged the pain and sacrifices borne by the families of fallen soldiers, commending their resilience and assuring them that although their loved ones could never be replaced, their legacies would endure and remain honoured by the nation.
Oluyede commended officers and soldiers currently deployed in various theatres of operation for their gallantry, professionalism and loyalty, noting that their unwavering dedication continues to strengthen national security.
“As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am immensely proud of your qualitative output and commitment to the values of discipline and selfless service,” he said.
“Your battle scars are silent testimonies of valour, devotion to duty and an unyielding resolve to defend our nation’s freedom and flourishing democracy.”
He declared that the Armed Forces would give “no quarter” to those seeking to undermine Nigeria’s peace and security, vowing that threats to national stability, whether local or trans-border, would be decisively confronted.
“Our Armed Forces will continue to root out all threats to our national security,” he said, warning that the ambitions of the nation’s adversaries would end in failure.
The CDS assured military personnel that their welfare remained a top priority under his Military Strategic Philosophy, stressing that the high command would continue to promote professionalism in partnership with sister security agencies and civil authorities.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “steadfast leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support” to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“I assure Mr President and my fellow Nigerians of our enduring commitment to defending our democratic values while ensuring peace and security in our beloved country,” Oluyede said.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a platform to promote national unity and reject divisive rhetoric, stressing that the sacrifices of the military underscore the need to strengthen the bonds of nationhood.
“Our shared destiny is undeniable,” he said. “We must remain one nation, united and never divided.”
