The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army has intensified training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defence to address evolving security threats.

Speaking at a lecture organised as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Saturday, Mr Shaibu said the country’s security environment had become increasingly complex, requiring new strategies, innovation, adaptability, and collaboration.

He said that Nigeria continues to face asymmetric threats, including insurgency, banditry, terrorism, cyber warfare, organised transnational crime, and resource-driven conflicts.

“The proliferation of arms, porous borders, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments have further complicated our security environment.

“To this end, we have intensified training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and cyber defence, recognising that modern security threats transcend traditional battlefields,” he said.

Mr Shaibu stated that instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region, and the Gulf of Guinea had continued to influence domestic security challenges.

He stated that emerging forms of warfare, such as cyber operations, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, demanded continuous learning and adaptation by the military.

The army chief further said the army had responded through strategies, stronger collaboration with other security agencies, and enhanced intelligence gathering.

“We have also invested in modern technology, capacity building, and targeted kinetic and non-kinetic operations to disrupt criminal activities and restore peace in affected regions,” he said.

Mr Shaibu stated that the army had adopted a people-centred operational approach that prioritised the protection of civilians, respect for human rights, and public trust.

According to him, the establishment of human rights desks, the expansion of civil-military relations, and the implementation of rules of engagement have reinforced the army’s commitment to safeguarding citizens.

The COAS said support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction projects, and peace-building efforts demonstrated the military’s commitment to securing lasting peace.

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

Mr Shaibu also called for stronger partnerships with regional and international allies, as well as the private sector, to address cross-border threats and share best practices.

He reiterated that the welfare and motivation of personnel remained central to the army’s operational success under its “soldier-first” philosophy.

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

(NAN)