NADCEL 2026: Army Chief Reaffirms Readiness to Defend Nigeria
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty, defending its territorial integrity and tackling emerging security threats through innovation, technology and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt on Saturday July 4, 2026, Shaibu said the country’s security landscape has become increasingly complex due to insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and resource-related conflicts.
He noted that instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and the Gulf of Guinea, alongside advances in artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, have reshaped the modern battlespace, requiring an agile, adaptive and operationally ready Nigerian Army.
The COAS described the lecture, themed “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” as timely and strategic, saying it aligns with the Army’s transformation agenda.
He commended the guest lecturer, General Martin Luther Agwai, (Rtd), as well as the discussants and moderators, for their contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Shaibu said the Army has enhanced its operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, joint and multi-agency collaboration, improved civil-military relations, integration of emerging technologies and the application of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
He added that the Service remains committed to a people-centred operational philosophy anchored on respect for human rights, adherence to the Rules of Engagement and the protection of civilians while maintaining decisive operations against security threats.
According to him, lasting national security will require continuous innovation, professionalism, technological advancement and the institutionalisation of the Army’s Soldier-First Culture philosophy.
The Army Chief also commended officers and soldiers for their sacrifices in defence of the nation and appreciated the Federal Government, sister services, security agencies, development partners and Nigerians for their continued support.
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), described the Nigerian Army as a key pillar of peace, stability and national development.
He said the ongoing modernisation of the Army would strengthen its ability to anticipate, prevent and effectively respond to emerging security threats through intelligence-led and technology-driven operations.
