NADCEL 2026: COAS reaffirms Army’s readiness against emerging security threats

The Nigerian Army is actively confronting a complex and evolving security landscape, with its Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, emphasizing the force's readiness at the NADCEL 2026 Lecture in Port Harcourt. The lecture served as a crucial platform to analyze Nigeria's security environment and bolster efforts toward national peace and prosperity.

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Nigeria’s security landscape has become increasingly complex due to insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, organised crime and resource-based conflicts.

Gen. Shaibu detailed the multifaceted nature of current threats, which include insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, organized crime, and resource-based conflicts. He also pointed to regional instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and the Gulf of Guinea as significant concerns impacting national security. The increasing role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities in warfare necessitates a highly adaptable and innovative Nigerian Army.

In response, the army is prioritizing agility, adaptation, innovation, and operational preparedness. This strategy involves strengthening operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies. The army is also focusing on improving civil-military cooperation and integrating new technologies into its operations. A people-centered operational philosophy, anchored on human rights and adherence to the Rules of Engagement, remains central to its mission.

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The evolving threats require a Nigerian Army that is agile, adaptive, innovative and operationally prepared.

Key to achieving enduring national security are innovation, professionalism, strategic partnerships, and technological advancement. The COAS stressed that the institutionalization of a "Soldier-First Culture" acts as a force multiplier for operational excellence. He acknowledged the sacrifices of officers and soldiers and expressed gratitude for the support received from President Bola Tinubu, sister services, security agencies, development partners, and the Nigerian public.

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The Army’s ongoing modernisation will enhance its capacity to tackle emerging security threats through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.