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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, defending its territorial integrity and safeguarding citizens against evolving security threats.
The COAS gave the assurance while speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday.
Gen. Shaibu, who described the event as a strategic platform for examining the changing dynamics of national security and strengthening the collective resolve to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria, observed that Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex, driven by insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts.
He further noted that regional instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, as well as the growing influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, continue to redefine the contemporary battlespace.
He stressed that these realities demanded “a Nigerian Army that is agile, adaptive, innovative and operationally prepared to confront both present and future threats”.
The statement further added that, while speaking on the lecture theme, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”, General Shaibu described the discourse as timely and strategically relevant to the Army’s transformation drive.
He commended the Guest Speaker, General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), for his thought-provoking presentation, while appreciating the discussants and moderators for providing valuable perspectives that will contribute to enhancing Nigeria’s national security architecture and operational effectiveness.
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The COAS further stated that the Nigerian Army had continued to strengthen its operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, joint and multi-agency collaboration, enhanced civil-military cooperation, the integration of emerging technologies and the deliberate application of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches across theatres of operation.
He added that the service remains firmly committed to a people-centric operational philosophy, guided by respect for human rights, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians, while sustaining decisive actions against all threats to national security.
He emphasised that the path to enduring national security lies in continuous innovation, professionalism, strategic partnerships, technological advancement and the institutionalisation of the Soldier-First Culture philosophy as a force multiplier for operational excellence.
He commended officers and soldiers for their relentless commitment and sacrifices in defence of the nation, while expressing appreciation to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sister services, security agencies, development partners and patriotic Nigerians for their continued support towards achieving lasting peace, security and national development.
The statement further added that, earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), described the Nigerian Army as a central pillar of Nigeria’s peace, stability and national development.
The monarch noted that the ongoing modernisation of the service was both timely and strategic, positioning it to anticipate, prevent and effectively manoeuvre against emerging threats to national security through intelligence-led, technology-driven and future-ready operations.
