OPFY Marks NADCEL 2026 With Special Jumma’at Prayer And Interdenominational Church Services In Gusau
The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), has held a Special Jumma’at Prayer and an Interdenominational Church Service in Gusau, Zamfara State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026). The religious services, held on Friday, 26 June and Sunday, 28 June 2026, respectively, brought together officers, soldiers, veterans, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA), and other invited guests in thanksgiving for the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of dedicated service to the nation.
During the Jumma’at prayer, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task ForceJTF NW OPFY Major General WB Idris, delivered the Chief of Army Staff’s goodwill message, congratulating officers, soldiers and veterans on the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary. He described the celebration as an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness, reflect on the Army’s journey, honour fallen heroes and renew its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens. He also commended the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of personnel serving across the various theatres of operation despite prevailing security challenges.
Speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2026, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the Chief of Army Staff emphasized the need for renewed dedication to the Army’s constitutional responsibilities and core values of loyalty, discipline, integrity, selfless service and professionalism. He acknowledged the Federal Government’s continued support in strengthening the operational capabilities and welfare of the Nigerian Army while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to tackling terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national security.
At the Interdenominational Church Service, the Theatre Commander was represented by the Chief of Staff, OPFY, Brigadier General OA Obochi, who delivered the Chief of Army Staff’s message to the Christian faithful. The message reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to leadership, professionalism, operational effectiveness and troop welfare through the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritizes improved accommodation, healthcare, training, education and family support for personnel. The Chief of Army Staff also paid tribute to fallen heroes, wounded personnel, veterans and the families of serving soldiers for their unwavering sacrifices and contributions to national security.
The religious activities formed part of the nationwide programme commemorating NADCEL 2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to service, unity and national development.
The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed its resolve to remain steadfast in protecting the nation while fostering stronger relationships with the communities it serves.
