COAS Reaffirms Army's Readiness to Defend Nigeria Against Emerging Threats

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to defending the country's sovereignty and protecting citizens, declaring that the military is repositioning itself to confront emerging security threats driven by technology, regional instability and organised crime.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture held on Saturday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Shaibu said the changing nature of global and regional security demands a military that is agile, innovative and prepared for both conventional and non-conventional warfare.

He described the annual lecture as an important platform for reviewing Nigeria's evolving security environment and strengthening strategies aimed at building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.

According to the Army chief, Nigeria's security landscape has become increasingly complex, with threats ranging from insurgency, terrorism and banditry to cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts.

He also identified instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, as well as the rapid emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced cyber capabilities, as factors reshaping the modern battlefield.

Shaibu said the changing security environment requires "a Nigerian Army that is agile, adaptive, innovative and operationally prepared to confront both present and future threats."

Speaking on the lecture theme, "Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria's National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army," the COAS described the discussion as timely and aligned with the Army's ongoing transformation agenda.

He commended the guest lecturer, retired General Martin Luther Agwai, for what he described as an insightful presentation, while also praising the discussants and moderators for offering practical perspectives on strengthening Nigeria's national security architecture.

The Army chief said the Nigerian Army has continued to enhance its operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, stronger collaboration with other security agencies, improved civil-military relations and the integration of modern technologies into military operations.

He explained that the service is also combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies across different theatres of operation while maintaining a people-centred operational philosophy anchored on respect for human rights, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians.

Shaibu stressed that achieving lasting national security would require sustained innovation, professionalism, technological advancement, strategic partnerships and the institutionalisation of the Army's Soldier-First Culture philosophy to improve operational efficiency.

He praised officers and soldiers for their courage and sacrifices in defending Nigeria against various security threats and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other armed services, security agencies, development partners and Nigerians for their continued support to the Army's operations.

Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, retired Major General Felix Mujakperuo, described the Nigerian Army as a vital pillar of national unity, peace and development.

The traditional ruler said the Army's ongoing modernisation programme is positioning the service to anticipate, prevent and effectively respond to emerging security threats through intelligence-led, technology-driven and future-ready operations.

The NADCEL 2026 lecture formed part of activities marking this year's Nigerian Army Day Celebration, bringing together senior military officers, security experts and stakeholders to examine contemporary security challenges and chart pathways for strengthening Nigeria's defence capabilities.