The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has identified worsening instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea as major factors driving Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration lecture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Oluyede said the country’s security landscape has become increasingly complex, requiring new strategies and greater collaboration to address emerging threats.
According to him, Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security concerns, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, organized transnational crime and conflicts linked to natural resources.
He noted that the proliferation of small arms, porous borders and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions have further complicated efforts to restore lasting peace.
“Beyond Nigeria’s borders, instability within the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and along the Gulf of Guinea continues to influence and exacerbate the domestic threat environment,” the Army Chief said.
Oluyede observed that developments in modern warfare, including cyber operations, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and other emerging technologies, have transformed the nature of security threats, making continuous adaptation essential for the Armed Forces.
He said the Nigerian Army has responded by strengthening joint operations with other security agencies, improving intelligence gathering and expanding community engagement to tackle insecurity across the country.
The Army Chief added that the military has continued to invest in technology, specialized training and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability in affected communities.
According to him, current military operations place greater emphasis on civilian protection, adherence to human rights standards and building trust between security forces and local communities.
He highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of Human Rights Desks within the Army, expanded civil-military cooperation programmes and operational guidelines designed to minimize civilian casualties during military operations.
Oluyede also said troops are receiving enhanced training in counter-insurgency, urban warfare and cyber defence, while the Army continues to support humanitarian interventions, including assistance for internally displaced persons, reconstruction projects and peace-building efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Looking ahead, he said the Nigerian Army would sustain its modernization drive by embracing innovation, strengthening professionalism and deepening cooperation with regional and international partners.
The Army Chief stressed that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned platforms and data-driven intelligence systems, would play an increasingly important role in improving operational effectiveness and situational awareness.
He further reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to its “Soldier-First Culture,” describing personnel as the institution’s most valuable resource and pledging continued investment in their welfare, motivation and professional development as they confront evolving security challenges across the country.
