Akaliro made the pledge during an interdenominational church service held to commemorate this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Taraba State.
A file photo of troops of the Nigerian Army.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, has pledged to sustain military operations against criminal elements in Taraba State until the state is safe and secure for all peace-loving residents.
Akaliro made the pledge during an interdenominational church service held to commemorate this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Taraba State.
The brigade commander expressed appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas, other dignitaries and the people of Taraba State for the tremendous support the brigade has continued to receive. He also thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational effectiveness and welfare of Nigerian Army troops.
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, described the Nigerian Army as the central pillar in promoting national unity and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity across generations.
According to the governor, the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army provides a vital opportunity to thank God for His protection, honour the sacrifices of gallant officers and soldiers, and pray for peace, unity and security in the nation.
He noted that military service is not merely a profession but a calling that demands discipline, courage, loyalty, endurance and sacrifice, adding that it is a life in which personal comfort is often surrendered for the safety, freedom and peace of others.
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Governor Kefas said the theme of NADCEL 2026, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” is timely and significant. He added that it reminds Nigerians that the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its operational capability but also in its professionalism, discipline and commitment to constitutional order.
The governor further stated that the role of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, supporting internal security operations, contributing to peacekeeping efforts and responding to evolving security challenges cannot be overemphasised. He called for continuous prayers for members of the Armed Forces, political leaders and the nation, urging citizens to provide useful information and support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity.
He also assured the Army of his administration’s continued support for lawful and coordinated security efforts, saying the Taraba State Government would continue to work closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to protect lives and property.
Also speaking, a Catholic cleric, Very Rev. Fr. Ephraim Sani, described the occasion as a moment of sober reflection after 163 years of the Nigerian Army’s existence and decades of sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity and tackling insecurity.
He called for renewed prayers for Nigeria’s unity and security, while advocating greater empowerment for soldiers and increased deployment of technology-driven operations to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
The special church service was attended by Governor Agbu Kefas, top government officials, heads of security agencies, serving and retired senior military officers, the Zonal Coordinator of NAOWA, 6 Brigade Chapter, and other distinguished guests.
