The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, defending its territorial integrity and safeguarding citizens against evolving security threats.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made the declaration on Saturday during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the annual lecture as a strategic platform for examining the evolving dynamics of national security and reinforcing collective efforts towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
He observed that Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex due to insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-based conflicts. He added that regional instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and the Gulf of Guinea, coupled with the growing influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, continues to reshape the contemporary battlespace.
The Army Chief stressed that these realities require a force that is agile, adaptive, innovative and operationally prepared to confront both present and emerging security challenges.
Speaking on the lecture theme, “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Lieutenant General Shaibu described the discourse as timely and strategically significant to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation agenda.
He commended the Guest Speaker, General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), for delivering an insightful presentation, while also appreciating the discussants and moderators for their valuable contributions towards strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The COAS stated that the Nigerian Army has continued to improve its operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, enhanced joint and multi-agency collaboration, strengthened civil-military cooperation, integration of emerging technologies and the deliberate application of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches across various theatres of operation.
He reaffirmed that the Service remains committed to a people-centred operational philosophy anchored on respect for human rights, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians, while maintaining decisive operations against all threats to national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further emphasised that achieving enduring national security requires continuous innovation, professionalism, strategic partnerships, technological advancement and the institutionalisation of the Soldier-First Culture philosophy as a force multiplier for operational excellence.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and sacrifices in defence of the nation and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sister services, security agencies, development partners and patriotic Nigerians for their sustained support towards achieving lasting peace, security and national development.
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), described the Nigerian Army as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s peace, stability and national development. He noted that the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive is both timely and strategic, positioning it to anticipate, prevent and effectively respond to emerging security threats through intelligence-led, technology-driven and future-ready operations.
