The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s response to evolving security threats.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture in Port Harcourt, Shaibu said the country’s increasingly complex security environment demands innovative strategies, modern technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
The lecture, themed “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” was held as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary, a day after the army chief inaugurated welfare and operational projects at Bori Camp.
Shaibu noted that Nigeria’s security threats now extend beyond insurgency, terrorism and banditry to include cyber warfare, transnational organised crime, resource-based conflicts and technology-driven threats.
To address these challenges, he said the Nigerian Army is enhancing intelligence gathering, strengthening cooperation with other security agencies and investing in modern technologies and capacity building.
He stressed that the military must embrace tools such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems (drones) and data analytics to improve situational awareness, decision-making and operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed the institution’s “Soldier First” philosophy, stating that the welfare, motivation and ethical conduct of personnel remain central to the Army’s transformation agenda.
According to him, soldiers remain the military’s greatest asset, making their well-being and professionalism essential to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The keynote lecture was delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Martin Luther Agwai, who urged the Nigerian Army to continue adapting to emerging security challenges through innovation, professionalism and stronger civil-military cooperation.
The event concluded with award presentations recognising outstanding contributions to the Nigerian Army and an interactive media session, where the Army Chief addressed questions on troop welfare, military reforms, technology deployment and preparations for the grand finale of the Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration.