Army vows to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty amid security threats

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and sustaining peace, declaring that the security of Nigeria remains non-negotiable despite prevailing security challenges.

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, made the declaration on Thursday during the 14th valedictory service for the 2026 graduating students of Command Day Secondary School, Akure. He was represented at the event by Col. Anthony Ochigbo.

Nnebeife said officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army continue to make sacrifices daily to guarantee a peaceful and prosperous nation where citizens could pursue their aspirations without fear.

“The peace and sovereignty of Nigeria are not negotiable. Our officers and soldiers remain committed to safeguarding the nation and creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive,” he said.

The army chief added that the Nigerian Army would continue to improve personnel welfare, strengthen capacity-building initiatives and deploy modern teaching tools to ensure Command schools remained among the country’s leading educational institutions.

Addressing students, the GOC urged them to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, loyalty and excellence imbibed during their years in the school, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the institution.

Earlier, the Commandant of the school, Lt. Col. Shamsudeen Zailani, congratulated the graduating students for their resilience and dedication, urging them to remain focused on their goals and make meaningful contributions to society.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Head of the Cyber Security Department at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Olufunso Alowolodu, encouraged the students to become problem-solvers, stressing that education equips individuals to provide solutions to societal challenges beyond securing certificates or employment.