NADCEL 2026: COAS Declares Nigerian Army Ready for Future Threats, Rallies Innovation Against Evolving Insecurity
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering readiness to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, declaring that the Service is evolving into a more agile, innovative and technology-driven force capable of confronting emerging security threats.
The COAS made the declaration on Saturday while delivering his remarks at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture held at the Obiwali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He described the annual lecture as a vital platform for examining Nigeria’s changing security landscape and strengthening national resolve towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, citing insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts as major challenges confronting the country. He further observed that regional instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, coupled with the rapid emergence of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, has fundamentally altered the contemporary battlespace.
According to the Army Chief, these evolving realities demand a force that is operationally ready, adaptive and forward-looking.
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Speaking on the lecture theme, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” General Shaibu described the discourse as timely and strategically significant to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation agenda. He commended the Guest Speaker, retired General Martin Luther Agwai, for delivering an insightful presentation, while applauding the discussants and moderators for their valuable contributions towards strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The COAS highlighted several reforms undertaken by the Nigerian Army to enhance operational effectiveness, including intelligence-led operations, strengthened joint and inter-agency collaboration, expanded civil-military cooperation, the integration of emerging technologies and the deliberate application of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches across various theatres of operation.
He reiterated that the Army remains firmly committed to a people-centric operational philosophy anchored on respect for human rights, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians, even as troops continue to sustain decisive operations against threats to national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that achieving enduring national security will require sustained innovation, professionalism, technological advancement, strategic partnerships and the institutionalisation of the Nigerian Army’s Soldier-First Culture philosophy, which he described as a critical force multiplier for operational excellence.
He commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, courage and sacrifices in defence of the nation, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, sister services, other security agencies, development partners and patriotic Nigerians for their continued support in advancing national peace, security and development.
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), described the Nigerian Army as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s peace, stability and national development. He noted that the ongoing modernisation of the Service is strategically positioning it to anticipate, prevent and effectively respond to emerging security threats through intelligence-led, technology-driven and future-ready operations.
