NADCEL 2026: 4 Brigade Holds Route March, Medical Outreach, School Engagement in Benin
The Headquarters of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has carried out a series of activities in Benin City, Edo State, as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), including a 10-kilometre route march, free medical outreach, public engagement with students, and an educational outreach by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).
The annual celebration commemorates the Nigerian Army’s establishment, achievements, and sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty. This year’s activities also marked the Army’s 163rd anniversary.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the events began on June 26 and 28 with Juma’at prayers and an interdenominational church service attended by military personnel and other security agencies in Edo State.
Special prayers were offered for the success of the Nigerian Army, the safety of serving personnel, the well-being of retired veterans, and the repose of fallen heroes.
On July 3, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, led officers and soldiers on a 10-kilometre route march through major streets in Benin City.
Speaking after the exercise, Balogun said the march was aimed at creating public awareness about NADCEL while demonstrating the Brigade’s operational readiness to perform its constitutional duties.
He added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had directed commanders nationwide to reassure Nigerians of the Army’s commitment to tackling emerging security challenges within their areas of responsibility.
The Brigade also visited Edo College, Benin City, where students were educated on the history of the Nigerian Army and career opportunities within the service.
The programme featured the screening of a documentary on the Army’s evolution, an interactive question-and-answer session, and the presentation of educational books donated by the Army Headquarters.
The Principal of Edo College, Justice Aigbe, commended the Brigade for organising the programme, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” describing it as enlightening for the students.
As part of the celebration, the Brigade organised a free medical outreach on July 4 at Amufi and neighbouring communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Medical personnel provided free consultations, eye screening, reading glasses, dental care, laboratory tests, malaria and hepatitis screening, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, health education, and essential medications.
Balogun said the outreach reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians beyond its core responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
He noted that the initiative also forms part of the Army’s non-kinetic operations aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities.
Community leaders commended the exercise, with the Ohen of Amufi Kingdom, Chief Iyi-Ewuare Asenogua, saying more than 3,000 residents benefited from the free healthcare services.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ikpoba Hill Youth Forum, Kingsley Osemwingie, described the outreach as a demonstration of the Army’s concern for the welfare of local residents.
On July 6, the NAOWA 4 Brigade Chapter also organised an educational outreach at Army Day Secondary School, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.
Led by the Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Mariam Aina Balogun, the association distributed customised exercise books, pens, pencils, and erasers to more than 500 students to support learning and encourage academic excellence.
