Instability in Lake Chad, Sahel worsening Nigeria’s insecurity, says Army chief

Nigeria's security landscape is increasingly complex, with instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region, and the Gulf of Guinea significantly worsening domestic challenges, stated Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration lecture in Port Harcourt, Oluyede outlined the multifaceted threats the country faces. These include persistent insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime. He also pointed to the proliferation of small arms, porous borders, and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions as key factors compounding security concerns.

"Beyond Nigeria’s borders, instability within the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and along the Gulf of Guinea continues to influence and exacerbate the domestic threat environment," Oluyede said. He emphasized that global developments, such as advancements in cyber operations, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, are transforming warfare, necessitating continuous adaptation by the Nigerian Army.

Despite these challenges, Oluyede affirmed the Nigerian Army's resilience. He credited this to enhanced joint operations with other security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger community engagement. The Army has also invested in modern technology and capacity building, employing a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic operations to disrupt criminal activities and restore peace.

Furthermore, Oluyede highlighted the Army's commitment to protecting civilians and respecting human rights. Initiatives like Human Rights Desks, expanded civil-military cooperation, and rules of engagement prioritizing civilian safety underscore this dedication. The Army is also focusing on training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defense, while supporting internally displaced persons and peace-building efforts.