Army Day: Tinubu Pledges Tech-Driven Military to Tackle Insecurity, Boost Local Defence Industry

President Bola Tinubu has committed to enhancing the Nigerian Army's capabilities through technological advancement and boosting local defense production, aiming to address the nation's escalating security challenges. Speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasized the administration's dedication to building a military equipped to handle contemporary threats.

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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.

"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," Tinubu stated. He highlighted the progress in research and development for homegrown innovations and the revitalization of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as central to this ambition. The African Land Forces Forum is expected to invigorate local defense manufacturing, intelligence sharing, and border security cooperation.

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This strategic partnership will boost DICON’s efforts to produce high-end combat enablers, promote local content development, create skilled jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s confidence as a nation capable of producing its own defence equipment.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of strategic partnerships to bolster DICON's capacity for producing advanced combat equipment, promoting local content, creating jobs, and fostering national self-reliance in defense. "The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordinating among nations, collaboration for border security, the building of capacity for counterterrorism operations, and the establishment of regional stand-by forces," he added.

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The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordinating among nations, collaboration for border security, the building of capacity for counterterrorism operations, and the establishment of regional stand-by forces.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu issued a warning about the increasing presence of foreign jihadists near Nigeria's borders. The celebration also served to counter negative narratives surrounding security in Rivers State, with Governor Fubara present. The event honored several individuals, including Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo and Chief Ikenna Okafor, recognizing their contributions.

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Across our history, Nigerian soldiers have stood where the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life could continue.