President Bola Tinubu has pledged to deploy artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, saying his administration is determined to equip the military to tackle evolving security threats.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt on Monday,
Tinubu 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.”
He added that efforts to boost research, technology and local innovation in the Armed Forces are already underway, with the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) at the centre of the plan.
“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” Tinubu said, expressing optimism that strategic partnerships would boost local production of high-end combat equipment and improve operational effectiveness.
The President also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in national security, saying collaboration through the African Land Forces Forum would promote intelligence sharing, border security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity resilience and “explore the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security.”
Commending the military, Tinubu told soldiers, “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.”
