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ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has urged Nigerians to continuously pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country, stressing that supporting the nation’s leaders through prayers is both a civic duty and a religious obligation.
Matawalle made the appeal on Friday during a Special Jumu’ah Prayer held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
According to a statement issued by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the special prayer service forms part of activities lined up to commemorate the annual celebration of the Nigerian Army’s contributions to national security and nation-building.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, the Minister underscored the importance of patriotism, noting that genuine love for one’s country must be reflected in actions that promote national security and protect the welfare of citizens.
The event, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” provided an opportunity for reflection on the collective responsibilities of government, security agencies and citizens in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Matawalle said the country’s security and stability require the active support of all Nigerians, urging citizens to remain united and continue praying for the Armed Forces and political leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation.
He noted that prayers, national unity and cooperation with security agencies remain critical elements in overcoming insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In his sermon after the Jumu’ah prayer, the Director of the Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, emphasised that the fight against insecurity cannot be left solely in the hands of government and security agencies.
According to him, communities that remain indifferent in the face of criminal activities inadvertently create an enabling environment for insecurity to thrive.
Drawing lessons from developments in Maiduguri, Borno State, Brigadier General Musa said residents of the city succeeded in restoring relative peace by rejecting criminality and working closely with security operatives.
He explained that the collaborative efforts between citizens and security forces forced insurgents out of the city centre and significantly improved security conditions in the area.
“The right approach is for government and the public to confront criminal elements together, rather than leave the burden to government alone,” he stated.
The cleric further called on Nigerians to become active stakeholders in the nation’s security architecture by providing credible information to security agencies and resisting all forms of support for criminal elements.
The Special Jumu’ah Prayer attracted top military and government officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shu’aibu, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Also in attendance were senior military officers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), and other dignitaries who joined in prayers for the peace, security and prosperity of Nigeria.
The prayer session marked the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, an annual event dedicated to honouring the sacrifices and achievements of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and preserving internal security.
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