The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday, 26 June 2026, attended the Special Juma’at Prayers held at the Mogadishu Cantonment Central Mosque, Abuja, as part of activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026. The prayer session, which followed the NADCEL 2026 Press Briefing is the first in a series of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd Anniversary, sought divine guidance, protection and wisdom for the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as they continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. This year’s celebration is themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
In his goodwill message, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for His enduring grace and protection over the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian Army to sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats through enhanced professionalism, jointness and collaboration with sister services and relevant stakeholders. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of officers, soldiers, veterans and their families, while calling for continued prayers and public support towards the attainment of enduring peace, security and national development.
The Special Juma’at Prayers were attended by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle; the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff; Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters; senior military officers both serving and retired; the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, alongside members of NAOWA; as well as other distinguished guests, all united in prayers for the continued success of the Nigerian Army and lasting peace across the nation.
