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ABUJA – Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called on Nigerians to actively support the nation’s security agencies and sustain prayers for the country’s leaders, saying collective action remains essential to overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Minister 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 signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the prayer session officially kicked off activities lined up for the annual celebration of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Matawalle urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in praying for the peace, unity and prosperity of the country and for the success of leaders at all levels of government.

He stressed that praying for the nation and its leadership is not only a religious duty but also a civic responsibility that contributes to national stability and development.

The Minister further noted that true patriotism extends beyond verbal expressions of love for one’s country and should be demonstrated through actions that strengthen national security and protect the lives and welfare of citizens.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Matawalle said the Armed Forces require the support and cooperation of all Nigerians in their efforts to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and maintain internal peace.

In his sermon following the Jumu’ah prayer, the Director of the Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, emphasised the need for citizens to play a more active role in tackling insecurity.

He argued that the notion that security is solely the responsibility of government and security agencies has become outdated and counterproductive.

According to him, communities that remain passive when confronted by criminal elements only allow insecurity to flourish and make the work of security operatives more difficult.

Brigadier General Musa cited Maiduguri as an example of how community collaboration can significantly improve security. He said the city became relatively peaceful because residents collectively rejected criminality and partnered with security agencies in identifying and confronting insurgents.

That cooperation, he noted, forced terrorists and criminal elements out of the city centre into remote areas and contributed immensely to the restoration of peace in the state capital.

“The right approach is for government and the public to confront criminal elements together, rather than leave the burden to government alone,” the senior military officer stated.

The cleric therefore urged Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity by supporting security agencies with timely information and remaining vigilant in their communities.

The Special Jumu’ah Prayer attracted top military officials and dignitaries, 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 invited guests who offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security and continued progress.

The event marked the beginning of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which honours the sacrifices and contributions of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to national unity and security.