GOC 82 DIVISION GIVES GRATITUDE TO GOD REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL DEFENCE AT ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2026 CHURCH SERVICE AND JUMA'AT PRAYERS
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo has given gratitude to God for operational successes in the Division's Area of Operations and Nigerian Army in general while reaffirming the Division's commitment to national defence during the Juma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Service held in Abakpa Military Cantonment Enugu on 26 and 28 June 2026 respectively.
The events were part of activities earmarked for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The Interdenominational Service, themed “Military Service: A Prophetic Call to Protect Nigeria”, brought together the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, unit and formation commanders, senior officers, soldiers, families, and civilian staff to thank God for operational successes of the Division and the Nigerian Army in general.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the GOC urged personnel to remain resilient in the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. He also celebrated the successes of the Army in counter-insurgency operations and the Division's giant strides, urging the troops to be grateful to God for His mercies.
General Fadairo further appreciated the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria.
The GOC highlighted the Army’s ongoing expansion through recruitment and the establishment of new units to strengthen Nigerian Army operations nationwide. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Nigerian Army, noting that the expansion will strengthen the operation of the Nigerian Army and have lasting impact on peace and security in the country. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as the backbone of the Nigerian Army whose sacrifices and support empower soldiers to serve effectively.
Similarly, during the Special Juma’at Prayer at the Division’s Central Mosque, the representative of the GOC, Commander 82 Division Garrison, Brigadier General GA Suru, delivered the COAS’s goodwill message. He charged officers and soldiers to remain resolute, disciplined, and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities, while demonstrating courage, professionalism, and loyalty in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He emphasised that prayers remain a vital source of strength and divine guidance for the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
At the Interdenominational Church Services and Juma’at prayers held across the Division’s Area of Operations, special prayers were offered for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the leadership of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Army Staff, the GOC, commanders at all levels, officers, soldiers, their families, and for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes. The events reflected the Nigerian Army’s reverence for God and its enduring values of discipline, integrity, selfless service, and esprit de corps.
Through these solemn but colourful spiritual activities, the Division reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving national unity, and promoting peace and security across the South-East and the country at large.
OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
82 Division Nigerian Army
29 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
4 SPECIAL FORCES COMMAND HOLDS SPECIAL JUMM'AT PRAYER AND INTER-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK NADCEL 2026
As part of activities ear-marked for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) the 4 Special Forces Command has held a Special Jumm'at Prayer and Inter-Denominational Church Service to commemorate the 63rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army. The Jumma't Prayer was held on 26 June at the 4 Special Forces Command Central Mosque while the Inter-Denominational Service was held on 28 June at St Andrew Military Church, all in Nigerian Army Cantonment Doma Nasarawa State.
In a Goodwill Message delivered at the Church Service the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu (NAM) stated that NADCEL avails the opportunity for the Nigerian Army to thank God for His mercies, celebrate its accomplishments, honour its heroes especially those that paid the supreme sacrifice and as well renew the Army's commitment to the defence of our dear nation. The COAS also used the medium to appreciate the sacrifices, dedication, courage and professionalism of personnel in various operational theatrs across the country.
The COAS who was represented by the Commander 4 Special Forces Command Maj Gen Olurotimi Azubuike Awolo said for 163 years of its existence, the Nigerian Army has remained a symbol of patriotism as it has remained steadfast in discharging its constitutional responsibilities. In his words he maintained that " the theme of this year's NADCEL has been thoughtfully chosen to be "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A way Forward for the Nigerian Army". Saying it is also serves "as a clarion call for introspection, renewal and rededication". He added.
The COAS further appreciated the courage, professionalism and personnel's collaborative efforts with sister agencies which he said led to the neutralisation of several criminal elements, dismantling of terrorists' enclaves, rescuing hostages and restoring normalcy to communities. He reiterated his administration has continued to prioritize troops' welfare by improving on accommodation, healthcare services, training opportunities, educational support amongst others.
Prior to the church service, a Special Jumm'at Prayer was held on Friday where prayers were offered for National unity and for members of the Armed Forces and their families. The COAS was represented during the Jumm'at Prayer by the Commandant Nigerian Army Special Forces School Brig Gen Umar Farouk Abubakar while the Command's Imam Lt Col Hamisu Mustapha led the prayers.
IKECHUKWU STEPHEN EZE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
4 Special Forces Command
29 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
NADCEL 2026: NIGERIAN ARMY FORMATIONS IN BAUCHI MARK INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE
As part of the activities earmarked for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 33 Artillery Brigade, and Nigerian Army Special Vehicle Plant held a special interdenominational church service at St. John’s Military Protestant Church, Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi State on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Commander Armour Corps, Major General Umar Abubakar, also represented by Colonel Chukwuma Okeke delivered the Chief of Army Staff's Goodwill Message. While delivering COAS Goodwill Message. Colonel Okeke described the Church Service as a moment to thank God for His mercies, reflect on the Nigerian Army’s 163 years journey, celebrate its achievements, honour the fallen heroes and renew commitment to national defence. The COAS noted that for 163 years the Nigerian Army has stood as a symbol of patriotism, resilience, sacrifice and dedicated service. Despite prevailing security challenges, he said the NA continues to record significant operational successes through the courage and professionalism of its personnel and collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further described NADCEL 2026 as a call for renewed dedication to the Nigerian Army’s constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property. He commended officers and soldiers as the Nigerian Army's most valuable asset and reaffirmed commitment to improving their welfare and providing an enabling environment for dignified service. He paid tribute to fallen heroes and wounded soldiers for their courage and selfless service, praised serving personnel for their loyalty, discipline and appreciated the sacrifices of military families.
Earlier in his sermon, the Assistant Director Chaplain, St Mathew's Military Protestant Church, Obienu Barracks Major (Venerable) Okechukwu Frederick Izuogu who presided over the Service described military service as a divine call to protect the Nation and urged personnel to uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values. He offered prayers for the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nation, its leaders and troops deployed across Theatres of Operation.
AA ADEKUNLE
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps
29 June 2026
#NADCEL2026 #NigerianArmyAt163
163 years of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service to Nigeria.
Happy 163rd Anniversary to the Nigerian Army. We honor your dedication, resilience, and commitment to protecting the nation.
🇳🇬 #NADCEL2026#NigerianArmyAt163@HQNigerianArmy