Tinubu Vows to End Insecurity with Technology, Intelligence-Driven Military Operations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ending insecurity across Nigeria through intelligence-driven operations, advanced military technology and sustained investment in indigenous defence production.

The President made the pledge on Monday during the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and the African Land Forces Forum (ALFF) held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the Federal Government remains focused on building a modern, well-equipped and combat-ready military capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges.

The event, themed "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army," brought together military leaders, government officials and defence stakeholders from across Africa.

The President said his administration is adopting emerging technologies and strengthening military capabilities across all operational theatres to improve planning, intelligence gathering and battlefield effectiveness.

"My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness," Tinubu said.

He added that research, innovation and local technological development remain central to the government's long-term defence strategy.

Tinubu said the ongoing revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) forms a critical part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's defence manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported military hardware.

According to him, reviving DICON will not only enhance the country's ability to produce military equipment locally but also create skilled jobs and deepen Nigeria's defence industrial base.

He acknowledged that previous administrations had attempted to reposition the defence corporation but insisted his government is determined to complete its modernisation agenda.

The President described the partnership between the Nigerian Army and the African Land Forces Forum as a strategic platform for promoting defence cooperation, innovation and knowledge sharing across the continent.

He also commended Great Minds Event Management for supporting the initiative, saying the collaboration would strengthen Nigeria's role in defence diplomacy while enhancing the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

Tinubu paid glowing tribute to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as symbols of patriotism whose sacrifices continue to safeguard Nigeria's unity and contribute to regional peace and global security.

He assured families of personnel who died in active service that the nation would continue to honour their sacrifices.

"Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten. Their courage lives in the freedom we breathe, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation," he said.

The President also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army.

He said the successful hosting of the maiden joint Nigerian Army Day Celebration and African Land Forces Forum had promoted regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and defence innovation across Africa.

Earlier, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the hosting of the event in Port Harcourt as symbolic, saying it reflected the prevailing peace and stability in the state despite contrary narratives.

The governor commended officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their service to the nation and urged the Federal Government to further improve their welfare and working conditions.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to defending the country's territorial integrity and protecting citizens.

He acknowledged the evolving security landscape but said the Army has continued to adapt its operational strategies to effectively confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging threats.

Shaibu praised officers and soldiers serving across various theatres of operation for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for the military and pledged the Army's loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief.

The event featured military demonstrations, tactical displays and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards to deserving personnel.

Among dignitaries in attendance were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, service chiefs, former military commanders and defence delegates from several African countries.