KADUNA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces to maintain absolute loyalty, professional discipline, and unyielding courage, declaring that the security and territorial integrity of the nation rest squarely on their shoulders.
Delivering his address as the Special Guest of Honour during the Combined Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 71st Regular Course and Direct Short Service Courses 28 (Army) and 32 (Air Force) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday, September 26, 2026, President Tinubu reminded the officers that they are entering active service at a critical juncture in the nation’s security timeline.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Commander-in-Chief commended the NDA management for sustaining its rigorous military training, emphasizing that the modern security landscape requires strategic foresight, technical adaptability, and strict adherence to constitutional democracy.
“The nation is counting on you,” President Tinubu declared. “You enter service at a time when our nation is confronting complex security challenges across multiple fronts. You are not just stepping into a career; you are stepping into a sacred trust to protect the lives, property, and democratic ideals of over 200 million Nigerians.”
Commitment to Military Modernization and Welfare
Highlighting his administration’s ongoing security investments, President Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping all branches of the armed forces with state-of-the-art hardware, advanced intelligence infrastructure, and upgraded welfare packages for officers and men.
Key points from the President’s address included:
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Zero Tolerance for Compromise: Directing the officers to eschew unprofessional conduct, human rights violations, and inter-agency rivalry, emphasizing that operational success depends on inter-service synergy and community trust.
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Counter-Terrorism and Maritime Security: Reaffirming that ongoing military operations against insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta are yielding measurable results, which the new officer corps must consolidate.
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Support for Military Families: Assuring the families of service personnel that the government will continue to prioritize troop welfare, medical care, and housing initiatives.
The parade featured 1,300 newly commissioned officers—comprising cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force—who were formally inducted into the officer corps of the Nigerian Armed Forces following months of rigorous military, academic, and field exercises.
