Nigerian Army Deploys AI and Simulation Technology Against Terrorists

The Nigerian Army is turning to artificial intelligence, simulation technology and data analytics to rehearse battlefield decisions before troops face them in actual operations. Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu announced the push at a simulation training seminar in Abuja.

Shaibu, represented at the event by Maj. Gen. Umar Yusuf, said simulation allows commanders to rehearse operational plans, anticipate adversary actions and identify capability gaps before those weaknesses produce consequences in the field. He described it as more than a training aid, calling it a command instrument for analysing threats, testing plans and matching the Army’s strengths against adversaries’ vulnerabilities.

He said the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria in Giri should become a hub for wargaming current and future operations, testing doctrine and refining contingencies. The centre should also draw lessons continuously from theatres of operation, using them to identify weaknesses in operational plans and close gaps before missions begin.

Shaibu said simulation-based training would strengthen combat readiness while reducing the financial and logistical costs of live exercises, ammunition consumption and equipment fatigue. The seminar focused on using simulation technologies across joint, multi-agency and combined operational environments, in line with his stated aim of building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient army.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Wabili, director-general of the centre, said emerging technologies are increasingly available to both security forces and terrorists. Robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence and simulation software have dual-use applications, he said, requiring the Army to refine its strategies and integrate new tools to maintain an advantage over its adversaries.

“

Simulation is far more than a training aid but rather a critical command instrument for supporting data analysis, strengthening predictive capabilities and enabling commanders to match our strengths against identified adversary vulnerabilities.