President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a stronger and more modern Nigerian Army as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across different parts of the country.
The President made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to invest in modern technology, research and military capacity to improve the Army’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Nigeria has faced years of insecurity, including insurgency in the North-East, bandit attacks in the North-West, communal violence in the North-Central, separatist unrest in parts of the South-East and rising incidents of kidnapping across several states. The government has repeatedly said strengthening the Armed Forces remains one of its top priorities in addressing these challenges.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said his administration would modernise the Nigerian Army by embracing emerging technologies and improving operational capabilities across all theatres of operation.
According to him, the adoption of modern technology would enhance military planning, intelligence gathering and combat readiness, enabling troops to respond more effectively to changing security threats.
“My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness,” the President said.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government was making significant investments in research and development within the Armed Forces to promote technological advancement and encourage local innovation.
A major part of the government’s strategy, Tinubu said, is the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which is expected to boost local production of military equipment and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign-made defence hardware.
According to him, strengthening DICON will not only improve Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capacity but also create skilled jobs and provide locally produced equipment to support counter-terrorism operations.
Tinubu also welcomed the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as an important platform for strengthening military cooperation among African countries.
He said Nigeria shares the forum’s vision of improving defence diplomacy and encouraging military collaboration through the exchange of ideas, experience and expertise among African armies.
“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to officers and soldiers who have continued to serve the country under difficult conditions, many of whom have lost their lives while defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
He assured families of fallen military personnel that the Federal Government would continue to support them in recognition of the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
Addressing serving personnel, Tinubu urged them to remain committed to professionalism and protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“To the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, you carry a trust that few are asked to bear, and you carry it with an honour that steadies the whole nation.
“Serve the people with the same devotion you bring to defending them, for the uniform commands respect only when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara praised the Nigerian Army for making steady progress in manpower development and technological advancement.
The governor said the military had continued to demonstrate professionalism despite the country’s numerous security challenges.
He pledged the continued support of the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Army and called for improved welfare packages for officers and soldiers.
According to him, providing better working conditions and welfare for military personnel would boost morale and improve operational efficiency.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said this year’s Army Day celebration was taking place at a critical period in Nigeria’s security history.
He disclosed that over 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently deployed in various operations across the country to combat insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities.
Shaibu said the Army has continued to evolve over the decades in response to changing security realities and remains fully committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.
He also raised concerns over the growing activities of jihadist groups within the Sahel region, warning that the Army had already detected signs of foreign terrorist infiltration across Nigeria’s borders.
Despite the threat, he assured Nigerians that the military remains vigilant and fully prepared to confront any attempt by foreign terrorists to establish themselves within the country.
“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I would like to assure us all that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task,” Shaibu said.
Drawing inspiration from the Army’s long history, the Chief of Army Staff expressed confidence that the military would overcome the present security challenges just as previous generations of soldiers successfully handled major conflicts, including the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peacekeeping operations.
“Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations during the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions, the Nigerian Army of today will certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation,” he said.
Shaibu described the Nigerian Army as an institution built on the values of loyalty, courage, honour, sacrifice and selfless service.
He said the annual celebration was not only an opportunity to celebrate the Army’s achievements but also to renew its commitment to defending Nigeria and serving its people.
“This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era,” he added.
The 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration was held under the theme, “Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The event featured military parades, displays of land and aerial combat capabilities and exhibitions by different corps and departments of the Nigerian Army, showcasing improvements in operational readiness and equipment.
Among those present were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, retired service chiefs, military commanders from several African countries and other top government officials.
The celebration highlighted the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s armed forces at a time when security remains one of the country’s biggest challenges. It also highlighted the Army’s resolve to adapt to new threats through technology, regional cooperation and continued investment in personnel and local defence production.