COAS says innovation, data analytics and drones are key to combating terrorism, banditry and cybercrime.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against evolving security threats.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture in Port Harcourt, Shaibu said the country’s security challenges now extend beyond insurgency and banditry to cyber warfare, transnational crime and technology-driven threats, requiring innovative and adaptive strategies.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and invest in modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems and data analytics to boost operational effectiveness.
The army chief also reaffirmed the military’s “Soldier First” philosophy, stressing that personnel welfare, motivation and professionalism remain central to the army’s transformation agenda.
The lecture, themed “Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria’s National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” featured a keynote address by former Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), who urged the military to embrace innovation and deepen civil-military cooperation in tackling the nation’s security challenges. The event formed part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration.