The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has said the Nigerian Army is placing greater emphasis on technology, intelligence gathering and modern combat equipment as part of efforts to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
Oluyede said the nature of security threats facing Nigeria has changed significantly in recent years, making it necessary for the Army to modernise its operations and equip its personnel with the tools needed to respond effectively to terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent crime.
The Army Chief made the remarks on Monday during the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and the African Land Forces Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His comments came at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insecurity across several regions, including insurgency in the North-East, bandit attacks in the North-West, communal violence in parts of the North-Central, kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities affecting many communities.
Speaking at the event, Oluyede said the Nigerian Army has continued to review and improve its operational strategies to keep pace with changing security realities.
According to him, the Army is investing in advanced technology, intelligence systems and modern military equipment to improve its operational effectiveness and better protect Nigerians.
He explained that the Army’s transformation programme is designed to ensure that officers and soldiers are professionally trained and equipped to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.
“The changing security environment requires a military that is professionally trained and equipped with modern technologies capable of responding to contemporary warfare,” he said.
Oluyede noted that the Army has made significant progress through sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and the deployment of modern combat assets across various theatres of operation.
He said these efforts have strengthened ongoing operations against insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal groups threatening national security.
According to him, intelligence and technology have become indispensable tools in modern military operations.
He explained that accurate intelligence allows troops to identify threats more quickly, make informed operational decisions and carry out missions with greater precision while reducing risks to both personnel and civilians.
The Army Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Army will continue to acquire modern combat equipment and other force multipliers to improve operational efficiency and enhance the safety of officers and soldiers deployed across the country.
He added that recently acquired military hardware would be fully integrated into counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and other internal security operations.
Oluyede said modernisation is not limited to acquiring equipment alone but also involves training personnel to effectively operate advanced military platforms and adapt to new security challenges.
According to him, continuous professional development remains an important part of the Army’s strategy for improving operational readiness.
He also stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations, saying the increasing sophistication of terrorist groups and organised criminal networks requires timely intelligence and stronger cooperation among security agencies.
“The complexity of today’s security threats demands intelligence-driven operations supported by emerging technologies and effective collaboration,” he said.
Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian Army would continue to strengthen cooperation with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate joint military operations.
He noted that joint operations have become increasingly important because many criminal groups operate across different environments, making collaboration among security agencies essential.
The Army Chief also identified innovation and rapid decision-making as critical elements of modern warfare.
He, however, cautioned that technological advancement alone would not guarantee success unless it is supported by professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to ethical standards.
According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to conducting its operations within the framework of the law while respecting the rights of citizens.
Oluyede said maintaining public confidence remains an important part of the Army’s efforts to defeat insecurity.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
He said intelligence supplied by members of the public often plays a vital role in helping security forces prevent attacks, arrest criminal suspects and dismantle terrorist networks.
The Army Chief urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that all useful information received would be treated with confidentiality.
The 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration also brought together senior military officers, defence experts and participants from several African countries under the African Land Forces Forum.
The forum provided an opportunity for military leaders to exchange ideas on emerging security challenges, technological innovations and strategies for improving regional security cooperation.
Military authorities have increasingly emphasised the importance of partnerships among African countries, particularly as terrorism, arms trafficking and transnational organised crime continue to spread across parts of the continent.
The Nigerian Army has in recent years expanded its use of surveillance technology, intelligence gathering and joint operations while also investing in new military platforms to strengthen national security.
These efforts have been supported by the Federal Government, which has repeatedly pledged to modernise the Armed Forces through increased investment in equipment, research, local defence production and personnel training.
Oluyede said the Army would remain focused on building a modern and professional force capable of responding to both present and future security threats.
He expressed confidence that with improved technology, stronger intelligence capabilities, closer cooperation among security agencies and continued public support, the Nigerian Army would be better positioned to protect the country’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens.