The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for a technology-driven and people-centred approach to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, stressing that the Nigerian Army must embrace innovation, professionalism and stronger collaboration to effectively protect the country.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture and Award Ceremony in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Shaibu said the changing nature of security threats demands fresh perspectives, adaptive strategies and the deployment of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems and data analytics.
The lecture, themed, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” featured former Chief of Army Staff and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), as the guest speaker.
Shaibu said Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with threats ranging from insurgency, terrorism and banditry to cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts.
According to him, regional instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, alongside emerging global trends such as cyber operations, space-based competition and artificial intelligence, continue to shape the country’s security landscape.
He said: “Given our rapidly evolving security landscape, which continues to present increasingly complex and dynamic threats, there is an urgent need for fresh perspectives, innovative strategies and adaptive approaches to safeguard the lives, property and well-being of the Nigerian people.
“We face asymmetric threats ranging from insurgency, banditry, and terrorism to cyber warfare, transnational organised crimes, and resource-driven conflicts. The proliferation of arms, porous borders, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments have further complicated our security environment.
“These regional dynamics, coupled with global shifts in the character of warfare such as cyber operations, space-based competitions, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence and unmanned security systems involving malign influence operations require the Nigerian Army to continuously learn, adapt, and innovate at all levels.”
The Army Chief noted that the Nigerian Army has continued to respond through adaptive strategies, including stronger joint operations with other security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, expanded community engagement and investments in modern technology and capacity building.
He said the Army has also intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to disrupt criminal activities, restore peace and build public confidence across affected communities.
“We have also invested in modern technology, capacity building, and targeted kinetic and non-kinetic operations to disrupt the activities of criminal elements, resolve conflict, restore peace, and build public confidence in affected regions within our country.”
Shaibu further stated that the Army’s operational philosophy has shifted towards a more holistic and people-centred approach, with greater emphasis on protecting civilians, respecting human rights and strengthening public trust.
He mentioned the establishment of human rights desks, expansion of civil-military relations and improved rules of engagement as part of measures aimed at safeguarding non-combatants during military operations.
He also highlighted increased training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency and cyber defence, saying modern security threats now extend beyond conventional battlefields.
The COAS maintained that support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction efforts and peacebuilding initiatives in conflict-affected communities remain critical components of the Army’s strategy to achieve lasting peace.
Shaibu said looking forward, the Army would continue its transformation by embracing emerging technologies and strengthening partnerships with regional and international allies, as well as the private sector, to tackle cross-border security threats.
“The way forward for the Nigerian Army lies in continuous transformation guided by innovation, professionalism, and collaboration. We must embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, and data analytics to enhance our situational awareness and operational effectiveness.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, describing personnel as the institution’s greatest asset.
“The soldier is the core and the enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. Therefore, the welfare, motivation and ethical conduct of our soldiers remain paramount because they are the most valuable assets in defending Nigerian sovereignty,” he said.
While commending the resilience and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, both serving and retired, Shaibu expressed appreciation to stakeholders and Nigerians for their continued support.
The event featured COAS literary competition, presentation of awards, historical exhibition, COAS interactive chat with media executives, others.
Blessing Ibunge
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