The Chief of Training (Navy), Rear Admiral Abdulrasheed Malami Haruna, has charged passing-out cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to uphold democratic values, safeguard Nigeria’s national interests, and remain committed to their professional responsibilities as they prepare for commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
A statement signed by Major Irabor Njoka Academy Public Relations Officer Nigerian Defence Academy said Rear Admiral Haruna gave the charge on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Beating of the Retreat and prize-giving ceremony held at the RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, Afaka.
The Special Guest of Honour commended the Academy for its sustained commitment to excellence and its role in producing highly trained officers capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged the graduating cadets to remain vigilant, disciplined, and focused as they approach the final stage of their training and prepare to assume the responsibilities of commissioned military officers.
He further charged the cadets to contribute meaningfully to addressing evolving security challenges in Nigeria and allied nations, stressing that their future responsibilities would require discipline, vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to duty. He also reminded the passing-out cadets of the importance of remaining faithful to the constitutional and democratic values they are expected to uphold as military professionals.
Rear Admiral Haruna described the Beating of the Retreat as an age-long military tradition that celebrates the resilience, discipline, and achievements of personnel. He encouraged battalions that did not secure trophies during the training year to draw inspiration from the achievements of their colleagues and use the experience as motivation to pursue greater accomplishments in future competitions.
In his remarks, the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to producing officers who are physically fit, mentally sound, and morally upright. He noted that the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on military traditions while celebrating the achievements recorded during the 2025/2026 training year.
Major General Olatoye stated that the event also served to recognise outstanding performances. He urged the graduating cadets to uphold the values acquired at the Academy and allow them to guide their character, discipline, and professional conduct throughout their military careers.
During the ceremony, Mogadishu Battalion emerged as the Champion Battalion after securing five trophies across various competitions during the 2025/2026 training cycle, while Collito Company emerged as the Champion Company in the competitions of Ashanti Battalion.
Individual cadets were also honoured for outstanding performances in drills, sports, judo, taekwondo, and other military activities.
The ceremony was attended by senior military commanders, heads of other security agencies, officers, senior civilian staff of the Academy, members of the Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association, soldiers, families, and invited guests.
The event featured a combat march demonstration by selected cadets and a stirring performance of the traditional Beating of the Retreat by the combined band.
