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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has pledged a new, technology‑led offensive against terrorism and other security threats, saying his administration will modernise the armed forces, revive local arms production and rely on intelligence‑driven operations to protect Nigerians.
Speaking Monday at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 and the maiden African Land Forces Forum (ALFF) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tinubu — represented at the Liberation Stadium by Vice‑President Kashim Shettima — said emerging technologies and focused research and development will be central to his security strategy.
“My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness,” he declared, according to the statement by vice president media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
Tinubu told the gathering of senior military officers, former heads of state and government officials that his government is investing in modern hardware and personnel training to sharpen operational planning and combat readiness. He said revitalising the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and deepening partnerships such as the ALFF will spur local production, create skilled jobs and restore “the confidence that flows from a nation able to arm itself.”
Although, he added, successive governments had attempted to revive DICON, “my administration is bent on actualising it in order to modernise the nation’s army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges.”
Commending the Nigerian Army and partner organisers, Tinubu praised the ALFF’s potential to advance defence diplomacy and boost the army’s capabilities through shared expertise. He singled out Great Minds Event Management for amplifying Nigeria’s leadership in regional security, saying the collaboration “has achieved its objectives of fostering regional and global cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue in defence and security.”
He paid tribute to fallen soldiers and reassured families of the nation’s commitment to their memory and welfare. “Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten,” the President said. “Their courage lives in the freedom we breathe, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, received public praise from the President for his leadership of the maiden twin event. Shaibu, who earlier reiterated the army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, thanked the President for his support and pledged the unwavering loyalty of officers and men.
Drawing attention to a rapidly evolving security environment, Shaibu said contemporary threats were reshaping operational strategies but insisted that the sacrifices and efforts of personnel across theatres remained “an enduring legacy” of his command.
Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara described the event as an affirmation of peace and normalcy in the state and urged the federal government to pay greater attention to troop welfare. The event’s high points included presentation of Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards and live demonstrations by army formations.
A host of dignitaries attended, including former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs and senior military officers.
