• As army chief warns of foreign jihadists’ footprints across Nigeria’s borders
• Governor Fubara: Army Day event debunks negative narratives about Rivers
•Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, Chief Ikenna Okafor, others honoured
Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged to deepen the modernisation of the Nigerian Army through the adoption of emerging technologies, enhanced local defence production, and strengthened regional security collaboration as part of efforts to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held in Port Harcourt, Tinubu said his administration remained committed to building a technologically-driven military capable of responding effectively to contemporary threats.
He said, “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.
“Focused research and development efforts aimed at strengthening homegrown innovations are steadily progressing, while the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) remains central to this ambition.”
The president said the African Land Forces Forum would provide fresh momentum for local defence manufacturing, intelligence sharing, border security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional standby forces.
According to him, “This strategic partnership will boost DICON’s efforts to produce high-end combat enablers, promote local content development, create skilled jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s confidence as a nation capable of producing its own defence equipment.
“The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordinating among nations, collaboration for border security, the building of capacity for counterterrorism operations, and the establishment of regional stand-by forces.”
Tinubu commended the sacrifices of officers and soldiers of the armed forces, stating that their commitment has continued to safeguard national unity and stability.
He stated, “Across our history, Nigerian soldiers have stood where the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life could continue.
“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and the families of our fallen heroes will always remain our collective responsibility.”
He commended the Nigerian Army as it celebrated its 163rd anniversary.
The president said, “This gathering has not only created friendship among the services from the various nations, but have also facilitated the cross-fertilisation of ideas among senior military leaders, policymakers, defence industries, and security experts as well.”
Earlier in his address, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, warned that the worsening insecurity in parts of the Sahel had begun to spill into Nigeria, revealing that the army has detected the presence of foreign jihadist elements around the country’s borders.
Shaibu stated, “We are not oblivious of the dire security situation in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region.
“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadis across our borders. However, I assure Nigerians that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task.
“Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations in the two world wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and the economic missions, we shall certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation.”
Shaibu said despite insurgency, terrorism, banditry, separatist agitations, and transnational crimes, the army had continued to record significant operational successes.
He stated, “Our troops have continued to degrade terrorist networks, reclaim communities and restore relative peace to troubled regions.
“We remain committed to maximising the effective use of recently procured combat assets while strengthening intelligence, training and collaboration with other security agencies.”
The army chief stressed that over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops were currently deployed in active operations across the country, adding that security challenges require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
He said, “The multifaceted nature of today’s security environment demands collaboration by every stakeholder. Together, we can build a peaceful and secure Nigeria where every citizen can thrive in safety and dignity.”
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said hosting the Army Day celebration had further demonstrated that Rivers State was peaceful, despite what he described as negative narratives often circulated about the state.
Fubara stated, “The choice of Rivers State for this important national event signifies peace. It also disproves the numerous negative stories we read in newspapers and on social media that are deliberately sponsored to malign our state and my person.”
He commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and technological advancement, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating in the state.
The governor said, “We will continue to provide every necessary support to security agencies because their success is also our success. At the same time, the welfare of our soldiers must remain a priority because if we expect the best from them, we must also take proper care of them.”
The event featured the Nigerian Army Outstanding Service Commendation Medal, (NAOSCM) award, where, among other veterans and serving soldiers, three civilians were also honoured.
They included Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of Keves Global Leasing Limited, an oil servicing company with headquarters in Port Harcourt, for his contributions to the development of the service.
In the veteran category, former ECOMOG Force Commander, retired Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, who is credited as the only surviving veteran of that operation, was awarded for his contributions to regional peace and security.
The event had in attendance military chiefs and defence delegates from 16 African countries, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former military leaders, senior government officials, and security stakeholders, with participants reaffirming the need for stronger continental cooperation to address emerging security threats across Africa.