By Joy Odor
In a ceremony that blended military precision with national significance, the Nigerian Army on Tuesday decorated 28 senior officers with new ranks, an elevation Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Rtd) says must translate directly into a tougher, more intelligent and more united defence structure.
The event, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, marked the ascent of 28 Brigadier Generals to the revered rank of Major General, including one honoured posthumously.
But beneath the crisp uniforms and ceremonial polish, the message from the minister was unmistakably stern: rise higher, deliver more.
Taking the podium as Special Guest of Honour, General Musa delivered a spirited charge that doubled as a national security directive.
“These officers are among the finest leaders in our Armed Forces,” he said, “but their new ranks demand new responsibility.”
He praised their years of sacrifice, often in unforgiving theatres of conflict, but warned that today’s security landscape marked by hybrid threats, evolving insurgency networks and intelligence-driven battles requires the generals to raise operational standards and sharpen strategic thinking across the Army.
Their promotions, he said, reflected professional courage but also placed them at the heart of reshaping the Army’s future posture.
In a tone echoing strategic urgency, Musa pressed for deeper inter-service collaboration, insisting that synergy between the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and intelligence bodies is no longer optional but essential.
“No service can stand alone,” he stressed, urging the generals to champion unified operations and stronger intelligence sharing.
He also acknowledged the families standing behind the uniforms, crediting them as “silent pillars” of operational success.
General Musa conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulations, assuring that the administration remains committed to modernising equipment, boosting operational capacity and improving welfare structures for troops at all levels.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, framed the promotions as both recognition and responsibility.
He described the newly decorated officers as leaders who have “consistently demonstrated integrity, competence and loyalty,” reaffirming that the Army’s promotion system is merit-based and transparently run.
Shaibu highlighted ongoing reforms, ranging from upgraded healthcare and improved housing to revamped training infrastructure designed to strengthen morale and create a more conducive environment for professional excellence.
According to him, the elevation of the 28 senior officers reflects the institution’s confidence in their ability to take charge of more demanding roles in Nigeria’s widening security space and beyond.
Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Major General Francis Omata expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for approving their promotions.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and renewed commitment to the nation’s defence, applauding the Defence Minister and COAS for their direction, mentorship and consistent investment in leadership development.
The decoration event drew a distinguished audience reflective of its national importance.
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan joined top-tier security and political leaders, including:
Minister of State for Finance
Members of the National Assembly
Service Chiefs
Inspector General of Police
Former Service Chiefs
Senior officers from Defence HQ
Commandants of military training institutions
President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association
The gathering underscored the significance of the moment: a new cadre of generals rising at a time when Nigeria’s security challenges demand sharper leadership, tighter cohesion, and relentless commitment.
