The Nigerian Army has identified innovation, strategic partnerships, emerging technologies and people-centred operations as critical pillars for confronting Nigeria's evolving security threats, signalling a continued shift towards a more adaptive and future-ready force.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Saturday, 4 July 2026
Time: 14:58 WAT
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, outlined the strategic direction during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, where he reaffirmed the Service's commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens against emerging security challenges.
The Army Chief described the annual lecture as a strategic platform for examining the changing character of national security and refining institutional responses to contemporary and future threats confronting the country as contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele,
Lieutenant General Shaibu observed that Nigeria's security environment has become increasingly complex, shaped by insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts. He added that instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, alongside the growing influence of artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, continues to redefine the modern battlespace.
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 discourse as timely and strategically important to the Army's ongoing transformation. He commended the Guest Speaker, General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), as well as the discussants and moderators for providing perspectives capable of strengthening Nigeria's national security architecture.
The Army Chief stated that the Nigerian Army continues to improve operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, joint and multi-agency collaboration, enhanced civil-military cooperation, the integration of emerging technologies and the deliberate combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches across operational theatres.
He further reaffirmed that the Service remains committed to a people-centred operational philosophy anchored on respect for human rights, strict compliance with Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians while sustaining decisive operations against threats to national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu maintained that enduring national security will depend on continuous innovation, professionalism, strategic partnerships, technological advancement and the institutionalisation of the Soldier First Culture as a force multiplier for operational excellence. He also commended officers and soldiers for their sacrifices and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sister services, security agencies, development partners and Nigerians for their continued support to the Armed Forces.
The statement added that the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), described the Nigerian Army as a cornerstone of national stability, noting that its ongoing modernisation positions the Service to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to emerging security threats through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.
🏷️ Tags: Defence Affairs, Nigerian Army, NADCEL 2026, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, National Security, Military Modernisation, Emerging Technologies, Soldier First Culture, Port Harcourt, Zig Press
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