President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army through technology-driven reforms, enhanced military capabilities, and local defence manufacturing as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and emerging cross-border security threats.
The pledge was made during the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) held on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where top military officials, government leaders, and foreign defence representatives gathered to assess the country’s security outlook and the future of the armed forces.
Federal Government Targets Technology-Driven Military Transformation
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the administration is accelerating efforts to modernise the Nigerian Army by integrating advanced technologies into military operations while expanding the force’s operational readiness across all theatres of deployment.
According to the President’s message, the government intends to improve intelligence gathering, operational planning, surveillance capabilities, and battlefield effectiveness through greater investment in emerging defence technologies and personnel development.
The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research and innovation within Nigeria’s Armed Forces, describing technological advancement as essential to addressing increasingly sophisticated security threats.
Local Defence Manufacturing Receives Fresh Attention
A major aspect of the government’s strategy is the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which authorities believe will reduce dependence on foreign military equipment while increasing domestic production capacity.
Officials said expanding Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry could deliver multiple benefits, including:
- Increased local production of military equipment
- Faster logistics support for security operations
- Creation of skilled employment opportunities
- Stronger national self-reliance in defence procurement
- Improved support for counter-terrorism operations
The government believes that strengthening local manufacturing will contribute to long-term national security while supporting economic development.
African Defence Cooperation Gains Momentum
President Tinubu also welcomed the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as an important platform for strengthening military cooperation among African nations.
The forum is expected to promote intelligence sharing, joint training programmes, operational collaboration, and defence diplomacy as countries across the continent face increasingly interconnected security challenges, including terrorism, arms trafficking, and transnational criminal networks.
Nigerian Army Says Majority of Troops Are Currently on Active Operations
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, painted a picture of the current security landscape, revealing that more than 80 percent of Nigerian Army personnel are actively engaged in military operations across different parts of the country.
He said troops continue to conduct operations against insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups while responding to emerging threats near Nigeria’s borders.
The Army leadership warned that instability across the Sahel region has increased the risk of foreign extremist groups attempting to infiltrate neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
Despite these concerns, Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army remains fully prepared to respond to evolving threats.
Military Raises Alarm Over Foreign Jihadist Movements
During his address, the Army Chief disclosed that security agencies have observed indications of foreign jihadist activity around Nigeria’s borders.
While he did not provide operational details, he emphasised that the Army is closely monitoring developments and has adjusted its security posture to prevent external militant groups from establishing a foothold within the country.
He expressed confidence that Nigerian troops would overcome current security challenges just as previous generations of soldiers successfully handled earlier national and regional conflicts.
Support for Soldiers and Fallen Heroes Reaffirmed
President Tinubu paid tribute to officers and soldiers serving in difficult operational environments, praising their sacrifice and dedication to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the families of military personnel who lost their lives while defending the nation.
The President urged members of the Armed Forces to continue serving with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.
Rivers Governor Calls for Better Welfare for Troops
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the Nigerian Army’s progress in technological development and manpower training.
He argued that improving soldiers’ welfare, working conditions, and support systems would further strengthen operational effectiveness and improve morale among personnel deployed across the country.
Theme of NADCEL 2026 Focuses on National Service
The 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration was held under the theme:
“Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The event featured military parades, aerial demonstrations, tactical combat displays, equipment exhibitions, and participation from senior defence officials across Africa.
Among those present were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, retired service chiefs, and military delegations from several African countries.
Why This Matters
Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges across multiple regions, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, oil infrastructure security concerns in the Niger Delta, and increasing fears about instability spreading from the wider Sahel region.
The Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on military modernisation suggests that future security policy will increasingly focus on technology, intelligence, indigenous defence production, and stronger regional partnerships rather than relying solely on conventional military operations.
How quickly these reforms translate into measurable improvements on the ground will remain a key issue closely watched by security analysts, policymakers, and Nigerians.
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.