OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA MARKS NADCEL 2026 WITH SPECIAL JUMMA'AT PRAYER AND INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICES IN GUSAU
The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), has held a Special Jumma'at Prayer and an Interdenominational Church Service in Gusau, Zamfara State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026). The religious services, held on Friday, 26 June and Sunday, 28 June 2026, respectively, brought together officers, soldiers, veterans, members of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA), the Nigerian Army Soldiers' Wives Association (NASWA), and other invited guests in thanksgiving for the Nigerian Army's 163 years of dedicated service to the nation.
During the Jumma'at prayer, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task ForceJTF NW OPFY Major General WB Idris, delivered the Chief of Army Staff's goodwill message, congratulating officers, soldiers and veterans on the Nigerian Army's 163rd anniversary. He described the celebration as an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness, reflect on the Army's journey, honour fallen heroes and renew its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and protecting its citizens. He also commended the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of personnel serving across the various theatres of operation despite prevailing security challenges.
Speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2026, "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army," the Chief of Army Staff emphasized the need for renewed dedication to the Army's constitutional responsibilities and core values of loyalty, discipline, integrity, selfless service and professionalism. He acknowledged the Federal Government's continued support in strengthening the operational capabilities and welfare of the Nigerian Army while reaffirming the Army's commitment to tackling terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national security.
At the Interdenominational Church Service, the Theatre Commander was represented by the Chief of Staff, OPFY, Brigadier General OA Obochi, who delivered the Chief of Army Staff's message to the Christian faithful. The message reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to leadership, professionalism, operational effectiveness and troop welfare through the "Soldier First" concept, which prioritizes improved accommodation, healthcare, training, education and family support for personnel. The Chief of Army Staff also paid tribute to fallen heroes, wounded personnel, veterans and the families of serving soldiers for their unwavering sacrifices and contributions to national security.
The religious activities formed part of the nationwide programme commemorating NADCEL 2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army's enduring commitment to service, unity and national development.
The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed its resolve to remain steadfast in protecting the nation while fostering stronger relationships with the communities it serves.
ALIYU DANJA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA
28 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
14 BRIGADE HOLDS NADCEL 2026 THANKSGIVING SERVICE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE OF NIGERIA
As part of activities for marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, personnel of 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Sunday, held a thanksgiving service at All Souls’ Military Church (Protestant), Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State. A call to worship was conducted by Corporal (Rev) C Olofu. The first Bible lesson was read by the Commander 14 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel JS Wudah, while a special rendition was presented by the Christian Women Fellowship/AFCWO. The second lesson was taken by the Commanding Officer, 14 Brigade Signals, Lieutenant Colonel OW Olayeye.
In a sermon titled “Military Service: A Prophetic Call to Protect Nigeria,” Captain (Rev) YU Ishaya charged officers and soldiers to remain steadfast, disciplined, and committed to their constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria with courage, integrity, and selfless service. Also, a session of praise and worship was led by the church choir alongside the 14 Brigade Band, setting a solemn and joyful atmosphere for the occasion.
Delivering the Chief of Army Staff’s goodwill message, The Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko who was represented by the Brigade’s Chief of Staff, Colonel MS Maaji commended troops for their dedication and urged them to remain professional and loyal in the discharge of their duties.
The highlights of the event included a reception and entertainment held at the 14 Brigade Officers’ Mess, where officers, invited guests, and well wishers interacted in a relaxed atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and esprit de corps while commemorating the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026. The event concluded with a group photograph.
MAZINHO ATTAH
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
Ohafia, Abia State
28 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
NADCEL 2026: 6 BRIGADE HOLDS SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE TO COMMEMORATE NIGERIAN ARMY'S 163RD ANNIVERSARY
As part of the activities lined up to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) held a special church service to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army. The event took place on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at Saint Peter Catholic Church, Nukkai, Jalingo, Taraba State.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, stated that the special service provided a vital opportunity to thank God for His protection, honour the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers, and pray for peace, unity, and security in the nation. He noted that military service is not merely a profession but a calling that demands discipline, courage, loyalty, endurance, and sacrifice, adding that it is a life in which personal comfort is often surrendered for the safety, freedom, and peace of others.
The Governor noted that the theme of NADCEL 2026, " *Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,*" is timely and significant. He added that it reminds Nigerians that the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its operational capability but also in its professionalism, discipline, and commitment to constitutional order. He described the Army as an institution that has become a central pillar of Nigeria's unity, sovereignty, and stability since its establishment.
Dr. Agbu Kefas further stated that the role officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army continue to play in defending the nation's territorial integrity, supporting internal security operations, contributing to peacekeeping efforts, and responding to the evolving security challenges facing the country cannot be overemphasised. He called for continuous collective prayers for every member of the Armed Forces, political leaders, communities, and the country. He also urged citizens to engage in activities that promote peace, provide useful information, and support efforts that strengthen national unity, adding that security is not the responsibility of the military alone but a shared responsibility of every well-meaning Nigerian.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, the Commander, officers, and soldiers of 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) for their invaluable contributions to promoting peace and stability across Taraba State. He noted that the Taraba State Government would continue to support lawful and coordinated security efforts aimed at protecting lives and property. He added that his administration remains committed to working with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
In his remarks, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) /Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, expressed appreciation to the Governor, other dignitaries, and the people of Taraba State for the tremendous support the Brigade has continued to receive. The Commander also expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for his visionary leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational effectiveness and welfare of Nigerian Army troops.
The special church service was attended by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; top government officials; heads of various security agencies; senior military officers (serving and retired); the Zonal Coordinator of NAOWA, 6 Brigade Chapter; and other distinguished invited guests
UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
29 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
@HQNigerianArmy As a Nigerian, seeing the Army’s dedication against threats gives us hope for lasting peace. Thank you for your sacrifices stay strong and victorious!