Sixty years after achieving independence, the Maldives marked the occasion with an unprecedented joint assembly of its two principal security institutions, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS). Presiding over the ceremony, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu brought together personnel from both forces under a single roof for the first time in the nation’s history.
The event, customarily held as separate gatherings, was staged at the Maldives Centre for Social Education in Malé. It underscored a renewed emphasis on national cohesion and reaffirmed the country’s sovereign legacy through its uniformed services. Each institution took part in a formal recommitment ceremony. Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy led the pledge on behalf of the military, while Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen represented the police.
In recognition of exemplary service, President Muizzu conferred six medals, two for long-standing military service and eleven for distinguished contributions across both forces. Addressing the assembled officers, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security through sustained investment in personnel training and essential infrastructure.
The defence force’s pledge, articulated by Major General Hilmy, centred on an uncompromising stance in safeguarding the nation’s autonomy. He asserted that the military would not yield "even an inch or a millimetre" in protecting the country’s independence, noting that Maldivians have upheld their sovereignty for more than 4,500 years, a distinction seldom seen in global history. That legacy, he said, was sustained through the sacrifices of generations past. The "strong brigades" of the defence force, he added, remain the foundation of national resilience and readiness.
Major General Hilmy invoked defining moments in the country’s defence narrative, citing the events of 3 November 1988 as evidence of the military’s willingness to offer "body and soul" in service of the nation. He also referenced past victories at sea, describing the armed forces as 'sea hawks", a nod to their operational agility and strategic prowess.
In acknowledging the president’s role, he credited President Muizzu with offering "special attention and hard work" in fortifying military capabilities. A robust defence apparatus, the defence chief affirmed, is inseparable from the safeguarding of Maldivian sovereignty.
His remarks also pointed to ongoing structural reforms designed to ensure the armed forces remain fully prepared for any contingency. Before concluding, Major General Hilmy commended the MPS for its collaborative role in national service, while noting the distinctive operational mandates held by both institutions.
A distinct vision for policing was delivered by Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, who described the joint assembly as a "very historic ceremony" and lauded the president’s decision to convene both services together. The commissioner outlined the police force’s primary obligations: public protection, law enforcement, and the preservation of social order. He spoke of each uniform as a symbol of service to the Maldivian people, underscoring the gravity of its mandate.
His remarks detailed targeted initiatives aimed at confronting challenges ranging from drug-related crime and organised terrorism to gang violence and offences against children. He also cited collaborative efforts with state and private entities to improve road safety and address the situation involving undocumented migrant workers.
Commissioner Naveen reaffirmed the police force’s enduring support for the public, particularly during emergencies and moments of societal disruption. That support, he said, would be buttressed by institutional modernisation, focused on human resource development and elevated operational and investigative standards. He closed by recognising President Muizzu’s contributions to enhancing police service delivery and pledged continued efforts to build civic trust in law enforcement.