Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Monday said the Nigerian Army had detected the activities of foreign jihadists around the country’s borders, assuring Nigerians that the threat would be decisively confronted.
Shaibu disclosed this at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and was themed: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The Army chief said the discovery of foreign jihadist activities around Nigeria’s borders was part of emerging security challenges confronting 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.
“Like our forebears who overcame the challenges of their generations in 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 said the Nigerian Army had continued to evolve in response to changing security realities while remaining committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He noted that the Army remained guided by its core values of selfless service, loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice.
The COAS disclosed that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian troops were currently deployed in ongoing operations against various security threats across the country.
“This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.
“It is important to note that this year’s celebration comes at a crucial period when over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops are fully committed to ongoing operations against diverse security challenges across the country,” he said.
The Army chief’s remarks came amid growing concerns over activities of armed groups in neighbouring countries, including attacks linked to jihadist organisations in the Sahel region and attempts by terrorist groups to target military formations in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through technology adoption, military capacity building and increased investment in indigenous defence production.
Represented by the Vice President, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to modernise the Nigerian Army to improve operational readiness and its ability to respond to contemporary 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,” he said.
The President said the government was also prioritising research and development in defence technology to promote local innovation and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) remained central to efforts aimed at boosting local production of military hardware, creating jobs and enhancing national self-reliance.
According to him, the hosting of the African Land Forces Forum would further strengthen defence cooperation and support the growth of Nigeria’s defence industry.
Tinubu commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their commitment to national service, urging them to continue protecting citizens and upholding the dignity of Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
He added that a secure and prosperous Nigeria would be achieved through discipline, sacrifice and unity among the country’s security forces and citizens.
