President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning and strengthening the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
The President made the pledge on Monday during the closing ceremony of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to modernise the Nigerian Army through the adoption of emerging technologies and the enhancement of its operational capabilities across all theatres of operation to improve military planning, combat readiness and responses to evolving 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,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that investments in research and development within the Armed Forces, as well as initiatives promoting technological advancement and indigenous innovation, are already gaining momentum.
He identified the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as a key part of the government’s strategy, saying partnerships forged through the African Land Forces Forum would boost local defence manufacturing, create skilled jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to support counter-terrorism efforts through homegrown military production.
Tinubu also welcomed the inauguration of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as an important platform for deepening defence cooperation among African countries.
“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” he added, stressing that the government shares the forum’s vision of strengthening Nigeria’s defence diplomacy and improving the Army’s operational readiness through collaboration and shared expertise.
The President commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity and assured them that the Federal Government would continue to support the families of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He urged members of the Army to remain committed to protecting Nigerians while upholding professionalism and respect for human dignity.
Also speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara praised the Nigerian Army for its progress in technological innovation and manpower development.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s support for the military and called for improved welfare packages for soldiers, noting that better working conditions would enhance their effectiveness.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said this year’s celebration comes at a time when over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops are actively engaged in operations against insurgency and other security threats across the country.
He said the Nigerian Army has continued to evolve over the decades, adapting to changing security realities while taking on greater responsibilities in safeguarding the nation.
Shaibu disclosed that the Army is monitoring the infiltration of foreign jihadist groups through Nigeria’s borders but assured citizens that troops are fully prepared to confront and neutralise the threat.
He described the Army as an institution built on selfless service, courage, loyalty and sacrifice, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving its territorial integrity and defending the lives of its citizens.
According to him, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration represents a renewed pledge to continue serving the nation despite evolving security challenges.
“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,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Army’s historical achievements during the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG peacekeeping missions, Shaibu expressed confidence that the military would overcome the current security threats.
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 ceremony featured military parades as well as land and aerial combat demonstrations by various corps and units of the Nigerian Army.
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, Army chiefs from several African countries and other distinguished guests.
Nigeria has continued to face a range of security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping, oil theft and communal violence in different parts of the country. In response, the Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen the Armed Forces through increased funding, improved welfare for military personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering and the acquisition of modern military equipment to boost the country’s security architecture.
