Nigerian Army has intensified its youth engagement drive as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), taking a public speaking outreach to students in Borno State to educate them on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
The sensitisation programme, organised by the 7 Division Nigerian Army on Friday, was held at Government College Maiduguri and brought together students from the host school and Command Secondary School, Auno.
The outreach formed part of activities commemorating the Army’s 163rd anniversary and highlighted its commitment to youth development, civic responsibility and national unity.
Students were enlightened on the dangers of cultism, drug and substance abuse, criminality and other negative social behaviours. They were also educated on career opportunities in the Nigerian Army, enlistment requirements, the institution’s core values of professionalism, camaraderie and inclusiveness, civil-military relations, community development efforts, patriotism, and the importance of honesty and integrity.
The engagement was anchored on the NADCEL 2026 theme: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, represented by the Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, Colonel Mohammad Ahmad, thanked God for the Nigerian Army’s achievements and enduring service to the nation.
He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and collaborative force capable of tackling contemporary security challenges through joint and multi-agency operations.
The GOC also appreciated the management, teachers and students of Government College Maiduguri and Command Secondary School, Auno, for their warm reception. He explained that the outreach was designed to promote patriotism, educate young Nigerians on Army ethics and recruitment procedures, while raising awareness about the dangers of cultism and drug abuse.
He urged the students to pay close attention to the presentations and apply the lessons shared by the resource persons.
In his keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour and Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, represented by the Director of Science and Technical Education, Mr Matawalle Ahmed, commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices in restoring peace and creating the secure environment that has allowed schools across the state to function effectively.
He said the Army’s protection of educational institutions, support for schools and sustained engagement with young people had contributed significantly to lasting peace and development in Borno State.
Ahmed also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Army in promoting peace education, civic responsibility, vocational skills and patriotism. He encouraged troops to remain professional while continuing to carry out their duties with dedication and respect for human rights.
The Principal of Government College Maiduguri, Mr Abba Ali Laddan, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for initiating the programme, and to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa for selecting the school to host the outreach.
He described the exercise as timely and impactful, saying it had broadened the students’ understanding of patriotism while exposing them to career opportunities within the Nigerian Army.
The event is one of several community engagement activities being organised nationwide as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and fostering closer ties between the Army and the communities it serves.
