Tinubu vows to modernise Nigerian Army as security threats intensify

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising and strengthening the Nigerian Army to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

 

Tinubu made the pledge on Monday at the closing ceremony of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the Federal Government would deploy emerging technologies and strengthen the Army’s operational capabilities 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,” he said.

 

Tinubu noted that ongoing investments in research and development within the Armed Forces, alongside efforts to promote indigenous technology, were yielding positive results.

 

He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would strengthen local defence manufacturing, create skilled jobs and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to support counter-terrorism operations through homegrown military production.

 

The President also welcomed the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as a platform for deepening defence cooperation across the continent.

 

“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” Tinubu said, adding that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s defence diplomacy and improve the Army’s combat readiness through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

He commended officers and soldiers for their sacrifices in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and assured families of personnel who died in active service of the government’s continued support.

 

“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.

 

“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,” he said.

 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara praised the Nigerian Army for its advances in technology and manpower development, while calling for improved welfare for personnel to enhance their effectiveness.

 

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said more than 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently deployed in operations against insurgency and other security threats nationwide.

 

He warned that the Army had observed signs of jihadist infiltration from neighbouring countries but assured Nigerians that troops remained prepared to confront the threat.

 

“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 successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations during 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,” Shaibu said.

 

Held under the theme, “Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the event featured military parades and demonstrations of the Army’s land and aerial combat capabilities.

 

Among those in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, retired service chiefs and army chiefs from several African countries.