Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that despite the increasingly complex and multifaceted security challenges confronting Nigeria—ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry, secessionist agitation, and transnational organised crime—the Nigerian Army has continued to achieve significant operational successes across the country. Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture and Award Ceremony held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 4 July 2026, Shaibu acknowledged the gravity of the threats but reaffirmed the military's commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The realities confronting Nigeria's national security are complex and multifaceted. We face asymmetric threats ranging from insurgency, banditry, and terrorism to cyber warfare, transnational organised crimes, and resource-driven conflicts," Shaibu stated. He noted that the proliferation of arms, porous borders, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments have further complicated the security environment. 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.
Despite these daunting challenges, the Army Chief insisted that troops have remained resilient and effective. "Today, the Nigerian Army faces evolving security threats that have risen from insurgency, terrorism, secessionist agitation, banditry, and emergent transnational crimes. Despite these challenges, our troops have continued to achieve significant operational successes," he said. He attributed these successes to adaptive strategies, including stronger joint operations with other security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, expanded community engagement, and investments in modern technology and capacity building.
Shaibu's remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in violent attacks across multiple regions. In the North-East, troops continue to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, while the North-West has been ravaged by banditry and kidnapping for ransom. In the South-East, separatist agitations and attacks on security personnel have escalated, and in the South-South, oil theft and maritime crime remain persistent threats. The Army Chief emphasised that the service has intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to disrupt criminal activities, restore peace, and build public confidence across affected communities.
To effectively tackle these evolving threats, Shaibu called for a technology-driven and people-centred approach, stressing that the Nigerian Army must embrace innovation, professionalism, and stronger collaboration. He urged the adoption of artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, data analytics, and other emerging technologies to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness. "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," he said.
The Army Chief also highlighted a fundamental shift in the military's operational philosophy 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, the expansion of civil-military relations, and improved rules of engagement as part of measures aimed at safeguarding non-combatants during military operations. He also noted that the Army has intensified training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defence, recognising that modern security threats now transcend traditional battlefields.
Addressing the welfare of personnel, Shaibu reiterated the Army's commitment to its "soldier-first" philosophy, stressing that the motivation and ethical conduct of soldiers remain paramount. "The soldier is the core and the enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. Their welfare, motivation, and ethical conduct remain paramount because they are our most valuable assets," he said. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, sister services, security agencies, development partners, and Nigerians for their support of the Army's operations.
The NADCEL 2026 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. The event was part of activities marking the Nigerian Army's 163rd anniversary celebration. Shaibu described the lecture as a strategic platform for examining Nigeria's evolving security environment and strengthening efforts towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.
Looking ahead, the COAS said 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. He called for stronger partnerships with regional and international allies to address cross-border threats and share best practices. He also reaffirmed 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's address comes amid ongoing military operations across the country, including the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, where he confirmed that troops were making significant progress. The Army has also expanded its formations in several states and deployed special forces to tackle emerging threats in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba. As the Nigerian Army commemorates its 163rd anniversary, the Chief of Army Staff's message is clear: the threats may be evolving, but the military's resolve to protect the nation remains unwavering.
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