Port harcourt: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has announced that the Nigerian Army is intensifying its training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defence to counter evolving security threats. This statement was made during a lecture organized as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shaibu emphasized the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, necessitating new strategies, innovation, adaptability, and collaboration. He highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by asymmetric threats such as insurgency, banditry, terrorism, cyber warfare, organized transnational crime, and resource-driven conflicts. Shaibu pointed out issues like the proliferation of arms, porous borders, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments as factors further complicating the security situation.
He underscored the impact of regional instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region, and the Gulf of Guinea on domestic security challenges. Shaibu noted that emerging forms of warfare, including cyber operations, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, require continuous learning and adaptation by the military. The Nigerian Army is responding with strategies, stronger collaboration with other security agencies, and enhanced intelligence gathering. The army has also invested in modern technology, capacity building, and targeted operations to disrupt criminal activities and restore peace in affected regions.
Shaibu highlighted the army’s people-centered operational approach, which prioritizes the protection of civilians, respect for human rights, and public trust. Initiatives such as the establishment of human rights desks, expansion of civil-military relations, and implementation of rules of engagement reinforce the army’s commitment to safeguarding citizens. Additionally, the army supports internally displaced persons, reconstruction projects, and peace-building efforts, demonstrating its dedication to securing lasting peace.
He emphasized that the future of the Nigerian Army relies on continuous transformation driven by innovation, professionalism, and collaboration. Shaibu called for embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, and data analytics to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness. He also advocated for stronger partnerships with regional and international allies, as well as the private sector, to address cross-border threats and share best practices.
Shaibu reiterated that the welfare and motivation of personnel are central to the army’s operational success, adhering to its ‘soldier-first’ philosophy. He emphasized that the soldiers’ welfare, motivation, and ethical conduct remain paramount, as they are the most valuable assets of the Nigerian Army. The lecture titled ‘Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army’ was delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Martin Agwai.