NADCEL 2026: Army Renovates Schools, Town Hall, Installs Solar Boreholes in Rivers
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Army has reinforced its commitment to people-centred security with the commissioning of renovated schools, a community town hall and solar-powered boreholes across Rivers State as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The projects were inaugurated on Sunday by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who said the interventions underscore the Army’s resolve to strengthen its relationship with host communities while addressing critical social needs.
The projects include the renovation of Community Secondary School, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, in Rivers East Senatorial District; Community Secondary School, Lueku (Lussue), Khana Local Government Area, in Rivers South-East Senatorial District; a community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area; and a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers West Senatorial District.
According to Colonel Appolonia Anele, Director, Army Public Relations, the COAS described the projects as more than physical infrastructure, saying they represent renewed hope and opportunities for students, teachers and their communities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the interventions were executed under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programme, which complements military operations by addressing developmental needs in host communities.
He noted that sustainable security cannot be achieved through military operations alone but requires collaboration, mutual trust and public support.
The Army Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Army has completed more than 250 intervention projects nationwide, including hospitals, classrooms, roads, ICT centres, solar lighting systems and water facilities.
He said the transformation of previously dilapidated schools into conducive learning environments reflects the Army’s belief that education remains a critical foundation for lasting peace and national development.
Shaibu urged beneficiary communities to protect and maintain the facilities, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of officers, soldiers and civilian personnel to the Constitution and their commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the projects were executed to improve infrastructure and deepen the relationship between the Army and host communities.
He added that the four intervention projects were deliberately spread across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State to ensure equitable impact.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Gift Worlu, described the projects as transformative, saying the renovated schools would improve learning conditions and restore hope among students and teachers.
He thanked the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for the interventions and assured that the facilities would be adequately protected and maintained.
The projects form part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to combine security operations with community development, aimed at fostering public trust and promoting lasting peace across the country.
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