Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has raised the alarm over the infiltration of foreign jihadists into Nigeria, warning that the military has detected the footprints of international fighters crossing the nation's borders. Speaking during the ongoing 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) in Port Harcourt, the Army Chief declared that while the threat is real, the Nigerian Army remains fully alert and prepared to neutralise any attempt to destabilise the country. "We have noticed footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I'd like to assure us that the Nigerian Army is on the alert and equal to the task," Shaibu stated.
The Army Chief's warning comes amid growing concerns over the spillover of jihadist violence from the Sahel region into Nigeria's northern borders. In recent months, security analysts have documented an expanding footprint of al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups in the tri-border area of Nigeria, Niger, and Benin. The borderlands have become a new frontier for jihadist factions, including the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), which have been expanding their operations southwards.
Addressing military leaders from 17 African nations gathered in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, Shaibu emphasised that Africa's security threats had become increasingly complex and transnational, requiring collective action beyond national boundaries. He called for stronger collaboration among African armies to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational security threats, stressing that no single country can effectively confront the evolving menace alone. The forum, integrated into NADCEL 2026, provided a platform to celebrate the Nigerian Army's legacy while fostering stronger ties with regional and continental partners.
The Army Chief's remarks reflect a growing recognition that Nigeria's internal security challenges cannot be resolved in isolation from the instability plaguing the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region. The porous nature of Nigeria's borders has long been exploited by criminal networks and terrorist groups, and the recent emergence of foreign fighters underscores the urgency of bolstering border security and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. Shaibu had previously announced the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of intensified regional security operations aimed at combating terrorism and transnational crimes.
Despite the concerning intelligence, the Army Chief struck a tone of reassurance, insisting that the military is more than capable of defending the nation's territorial integrity. He noted that under Operation Hadin Kai, troops have neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered following sustained military offensives. The Army has also intensified training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defence to address the evolving nature of security threats.
Shaibu's declaration comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across its six geopolitical zones. The Army Chief has previously described the nation's security environment as "complex and dynamic," necessitating ongoing strengthening of operational posture through sustained deployments, reconfiguration of formations, and the establishment of new units in critical areas. He has also called for stronger partnerships with regional and international allies, as well as the private sector, to address cross-border threats and share best practices.
The presence of foreign jihadists in Nigeria is not entirely new, but the scale and coordination of recent incursions have raised alarm bells among security experts. Reports have indicated that ISSP has focused on cooperation with local jihadist or bandit networks, such as the Lakurawa group operating in Sokoto State. The tri-border region of Nigeria, Benin, and Niger has become a new stronghold for jihadists, as militants turn forests and pastoral networks into bases for recruitment and attacks.
The Army Chief's warning also comes amid heightened diplomatic engagements with the United States, which has designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" over attacks on Christians attributed largely to jihadist groups. The Nigeria-U.S. counter-terrorism partnership has been described as a major turning point, transitioning Nigeria's security operations into an intelligence-driven, technology-enabled campaign.
As the Nigerian Army celebrates its 163rd anniversary, Shaibu's message is clear: the threat of foreign jihadists is real, but the military is not resting on its laurels. With sustained operations, enhanced regional cooperation, and a commitment to technological innovation, the Army is determined to ensure that Nigeria remains no safe haven for terrorists—whether local or foreign. "The Nigerian Army is on the alert and equal to the task," the Army Chief declared, offering a measure of reassurance to a nation that has endured nearly two decades of insurgency and violence.
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