The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reassured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s democratic values and ensuring lasting peace and security across the country.
General Oluyede gave the assurance in a goodwill message to mark the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, reaffirming the resolve of the military high command to maintain a highly professional Armed Forces driven by a collective mindset and constitutional responsibility.
He said the Armed Forces, working in synergy with other security agencies and civil authorities, would continue to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, guided by the invaluable lessons of veterans who laid the foundation for the nation’s defence.
The CDS paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, preserved the unity and sovereignty of the country, describing Remembrance Day as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid for the peace and freedoms Nigerians enjoy.
“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow,’ and their legacy of courage remains etched forever in the annals of our nation’s history,” he said, adding that their devotion to duty was not accidental but a profound call to patriotism.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the families of fallen service members, noting that their resilience in the face of profound loss remains a source of inspiration to the nation. Although the departed can never be replaced, Oluyede said their legacies would continue to be honoured by posterity.
Commending officers and soldiers currently deployed across various theatres of operation, the Defence Chief praised their courage, professionalism and loyalty in strengthening national security.
“As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am immensely proud of your qualitative output and commitment to the values of discipline and selfless service,” he said. “Your battle scars are silent testaments to unwavering devotion to duty, valour and an unyielding resolve to protect the sanctity of our nation’s freedom and flourishing democracy.”
He warned that the Armed Forces would not relent in confronting threats to national security, declaring that adversaries would find no comfort in their actions.
“The Armed Forces shall give no quarter, nor mortgage the cradle of our national heritage and security. We will continue to root out all threats to our national security, both local and trans-border,” Oluyede said.
The CDS assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority under his Military Strategic Philosophy, stressing that the high command would continue to build a disciplined, professional and mission-ready force in collaboration with other security institutions and civil authorities.
He thanked President Tinubu for his “steadfast leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support” to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“I assure Mr President and my honoured compatriots of our enduring commitment to defending our nation’s democratic values while ensuring peace and security in our beloved Nigeria,” he said.
General Oluyede urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a moment to promote national unity and reject divisive rhetoric.
“Our shared destiny is undeniable, and the sacrifices of our military underscore the importance of strengthening our bond as one nation, never divided,” he added.
Armed Forces Will Defend Democracy, Secure Nigeria — CDS Oluyede Reassures Tinubu
