Nigeria is passing through a period of intense trial marked by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, but the nation will ultimately prevail, Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, has assured.
Musa gave the reassurance on Sunday in Abuja at the interdenominational thanksgiving church service held at the National Christian Centre to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Speaking before a congregation that included senior military officers, government officials and families of serving and fallen personnel, the defence minister said although the country was battling multiple security threats across different fronts, Nigeria was not without hope.
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“Yes, we have threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal endeavours, but we have the Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies that are committed, resilient and have sacrificed so much to take on these challenges, and we shall overcome,” Musa said.
He described the service as a moment of worship, reflection and remembrance, noting that Nigerians across the 36 states were united in honouring the country’s fallen heroes.
“We honour with deep reverence the brave men and women who have paid the supreme price in service to our beloved country.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their names are permanently etched in the history of our nation and in the hearts of grateful Nigerians,” he said.
Musa also paid tribute to serving personnel and their families, especially spouses who keep families together while their loved ones are on duty. He assured them that their welfare remained a priority of the government.
The defence minister said President Bola Tinubu was firmly committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces and other security agencies were adequately equipped, properly motivated and well catered for to enable them to carry out their constitutional duties professionally.
“His actions speak volumes about the value he places on service and sacrifice. We pray that Almighty God continues to grant him wisdom, strength and guidance as he leads our great nation,” Musa added.
In a sermon, Uche Okafor, the cleric who officiated the service, called on the Nigerian military to remain loyal to democracy and resist any temptation to follow the path of coups that have swept across parts of West Africa in recent years.
Addressing Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs, Okafor urged them to stand firmly in defence of Nigeria’s democratic order.
He said his sermon, themed “Gratitude, encouragement and spiritual encouragement” and drawn from 2 Chronicles 32:5–8, was meant to inspire security personnel in the face of widespread insecurity.
“What we have been facing as a nation is discouraging when you think about insecurity and its challenges. But as soldiers of Christ, don’t be discouraged.
“You are not just serving Nigerians with your work; you are serving the Almighty God because fighting banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and criminality is doing the work of God who condemns these vices,” Okafor said.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon turn the corner in its fight against violent crime.
“God is saying enough is enough of the bloodshed. Nigerian soldiers, you will soon conquer all the terrorists, you will soon conquer all the bandits, you will soon conquer all the kidnappers. All their sponsors, supporters and funders, God will soon expose and disgrace them,” he declared.
The cleric also linked this anticipated turnaround to the leadership of the Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff, whom he said God had positioned to bring about change.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Okafor made a pointed appeal to the Armed Forces to remain politically neutral.
“As we approach 2027, be neutral to all parties, and as the wind of coups is blowing across West Africa, don’t think about it,” he said.
In recent years, democratically elected governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea have been toppled by military takeovers, raising regional and international concerns.
Nigeria has also taken part in efforts to prevent the spread of military rule, including recent security intervention in neighbouring Benin Republic to stop an attempted coup.
Okafor commended Nigerian troops and other security agencies for their sacrifices, saying it was because of their efforts that many citizens were still able to go about their daily lives without fear.
The National Assembly also used the occasion to reaffirm its support for security sector reforms and democratic stability.
Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, represented by Peter Nwebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip, said the legislature, working with the Executive, remained resolute in restoring Nigeria as one of the most peaceful and secure nations in Africa.
He said the sacrifices of both living and fallen service members had strengthened the nation’s resolve to build a safer, stronger and more united country.
“The blood of our fallen heroes and heroines has been, and will continue to be, the seed of our national unity, peace and progress, just as the blood of martyrs became the seed of Christianity.
“Their sacrifices remain a sacred foundation upon which our collective future rests,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President described Nigeria as a nation of extraordinary diversity, home to many languages, cultures and faiths, but united by a single destiny.
He stressed that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, worship and conscience, noting that these rights are central pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
“These freedoms are the pillars upon which our democracy stands, and they must be protected at all times,” he said.
Akpabio prayed for the safety and strength of serving officers and men.
“We pray for divine protection, strength and wisdom for our officers and men of the Armed Forces, as well as other security agencies, who continue to put their lives on the line daily to safeguard the sovereignty and unity of our dear country,” he said.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigeria’s military personnel, both past and present.
