The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies as part of a comprehensive strategy to address Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the Army Chief said the country’s security environment had become more dynamic and sophisticated, requiring innovative solutions and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
The lecture, themed “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” formed part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration. It was held a day after the inauguration of several welfare and operational projects at Bori Camp in Rivers State.
Shaibu stressed that conventional approaches alone would no longer be sufficient to confront emerging threats, noting that security agencies must embrace technological innovation to stay ahead of criminal and terrorist networks.
According to him, Nigeria’s rapidly evolving security landscape demands fresh perspectives, adaptive strategies and the deployment of advanced tools capable of enhancing intelligence gathering, surveillance, decision-making and operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the increasing use of digital platforms and cyberspace by terrorist and criminal groups for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising and attack coordination. In recent engagements, Shaibu warned that such developments have compelled the Nigerian Army to strengthen its cyber warfare and intelligence capabilities.
Military analysts have increasingly highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in modern defence operations, including threat detection, intelligence analysis, surveillance and predictive security assessments. The technology is also being deployed globally to improve situational awareness and support faster operational decision-making.
At the Port Harcourt event, Shaibu reiterated the need for innovation and strategic thinking in addressing contemporary security threats, emphasising that safeguarding lives and property requires a proactive and forward-looking approach.
The NADCEL 2026 activities concluded with an interactive media session during which the Chief of Army Staff addressed questions on troop welfare, military reforms, the integration of emerging technologies into military operations and preparations for the grand finale of the anniversary celebration.
The Nigerian Army has in recent months intensified discussions around cybersecurity, technological advancement and force modernisation as part of efforts to improve operational readiness and strengthen national security against evolving threats.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.