The Nigerian Army
Nigerian Army at 160. To honor the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army, the service will exhibit its skills in operations, research, and development.
Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja as part of the festivities commemorating NADCEL-2023.
Lagbaja, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), stated that the Nigerian Army has evolved in all aspects over the last 160 years.
He stated that the Nigerian Army, as an enviable national institution tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity under the constitution, has a long history of service dating back to 1863.
Lagbaja stated that the 2023 NADCEL, which is set to take place in Ibadan on July 6, will mark the start of the Nigerian Civil War.
According to him, it is also the anniversary of the day the first shot of the war was fired at Garkem in present-day Cross River State.
He stated that the date was set aside to remind them of the past and the need of resolving disputes peacefully rather than using force.
“It provides an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to take stock, assess its performance, interact with the public, and set goals for continued professional growth,” he said.
“This will allow it to better perform its constitutional roles while also competing favorably with other armies worldwide.”
“This year’s celebration will honor the achievements of the Nigerian army.”
“It will also highlight the army’s operational activities as well as its transformational strides in innovation, R&D, civil-military relations, and technological advancement.”
“The celebration is also aimed at projecting the Army as an instrument of national unity and development, as well as highlighting its capabilities,” he said.