‘Rise Now and Defeat Agents of Terror’: Tinubu Charges Military

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct call to action to Nigeria’s Ahmed Forces against terrorism.

The president made the call in Kaduna Sunday when delivered a message of support to the military during the 162nd Army Day Celebration in Kaduna, vowing to prioritise their welfare and combat readiness

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at Murtala Muhammed Square, the Commander-in-Chief declared: “To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with clarity: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation.”

The President framed national security as non-negotiable, emphasizing that his administration would continue investing in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities, and personnel development.

“We will continue to invest in modern equipment, in intelligence, and in the human capital that drives your effectiveness. This is not a favour. It is a duty owed to those who defend us,” Tinubu stated, acknowledging the military’s 162-year role as “the spine of Nigeria’s sovereignty.” His words came as the Army showcased its operational capabilities during the event themed “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.”

Tinubu drew a direct connection between troop welfare and combat effectiveness, endorsing the Army’s human-centric reforms. “You cannot build a great army without first building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts. They are the bedrock of national security,” he asserted.

The President paid special tribute to fallen heroes, noting that some “now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation,” while others bear “the wounds of war as living reminders of the sacrifices made in our name.” He assured families of the deceased that their loved ones’ sacrifices would never be forgotten, promising “their memory will remain for generations to come.”

Addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape – from terrorism and insurgency to banditry and separatist violence – Tinubu characterized these threats as existential challenges requiring unified action. “These evils do not discriminate by tribe or faith. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking where they worship,” he observed, urging a collective response. The President charged service members to uphold constitutional values even in combat: “Your strength must remain disciplined, your courage must remain anchored in justice, and your mission must remain rooted in the values that define us as a people.”

Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede echoed the Commander-in-Chief’s sentiments, revealing significant capability upgrades within the force. “The Nigerian Army of today is not only resilient but also armed with modern and state-of-the-art equipment, platforms and capabilities to confront as well as deter any threat to the country,” he stated.

Oluyede directed field commanders to demonstrate boldness and ingenuity, emphasizing that “every operation must be geared towards one clear objective: the nation’s success.” He expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support, noting the President’s presence “emphatically demonstrated your collective support for us.”

The ceremony brought together Nigeria’s security leadership including former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s representative. Governor Uba Sani hosted the event in Kaduna, a state acutely affected by security challenges. Tinubu’s message carried particular resonance given recent operations against terrorist factions, with the administration facing public pressure to restore security nationwide.

Closing with a call for national unity, the President reminded citizens that security isn’t solely the military’s burden. “We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage her future to division, indifference, or delay,” he cautioned.

The Army Day celebration culminated in demonstrations of combat readiness, symbolizing the force’s preparedness to execute Tinubu’s directive. As troops paraded with newly acquired equipment, the visuals reinforced the administration’s pledge to provide tools for victory against adversaries. With terrorism deaths reportedly declining by 18% in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year according to internal security reports, the military appears poised to build on recent gains – provided promised resources materialize as pledged.

The event’s timing proves strategic, coming weeks before the Armed Forces’ next major procurement cycle and months before the rainy season when terrorist groups typically intensify attacks.