The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), 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.

The call came during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture in Port Harcourt, held a day after the army chief inaugurated several welfare and operational projects at Bori Camp as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration.

Speaking at the lecture themed, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex, requiring fresh thinking, innovation and stronger collaboration.

“Given our rapidly evolving security landscape, which continues to present increasingly complex and dynamic threats, there is an urgent need for fresh perspectives, innovative strategies and adaptive approaches to safeguard the lives, property and well-being of the Nigerian people,” he said.

The COAS noted that the country’s security challenges now extend beyond insurgency, terrorism and banditry to cyber warfare, transnational organised crime, resource-driven conflicts and emerging technology-driven threats.

The lecture had the themed, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”.

He said the Nigerian Army had continued to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with other security agencies and invest in modern technology and capacity building to improve operational effectiveness.

“The way forward for the Nigerian Army lies in continuous transformation guided by innovation, professionalism and collaboration.

“We must embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems and data analytics to enhance our situational awareness and operational effectiveness,” Shaibu stated.

Shaibu (second-right)

He also reaffirmed the army’s commitment to its “Soldier First” philosophy, stressing that personnel welfare remains central to the institution’s transformation agenda.

“The soldier is the core and the enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. Therefore, the welfare, motivation and ethical conduct of our soldiers remain paramount because they are the most valuable assets in defending Nigerian sovereignty,” he added.

Former Chief of Army Staff General Martin Luther Agwai (retd.) delivered the keynote lecture, highlighting the need for the Nigerian Army to continually adapt to emerging security threats through innovation, professionalism and stronger civil-military collaboration in safeguarding the nation.

The lecture had the themed, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”.

The lecture was followed by the presentation of awards to deserving winners in recognition of their contributions as part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration.

Activities ended with an interactive media chat, during which the Chief of Army Staff answered questions from senior journalists on troop welfare, military reforms, the deployment of emerging technologies in military operations, and preparations for the grand finale of the celebration scheduled for Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. (Channels)

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