Army Chief Links Nigeria's Insecurity to Regional Instability

Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, linked Nigeria's increasing security challenges to the instability in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region during a lecture at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He warned that crises in neighboring regions continue to worsen the country's internal security situation.

Shaibu noted that Nigeria grapples with various threats, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime, exacerbated by resource-related conflicts and the proliferation of small arms across porous borders. He observed that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, are transforming modern warfare, necessitating the military's adoption of innovative strategies to counter evolving threats.

The Nigerian Army is committed to strengthening operations, enhancing collaboration with security agencies, improving intelligence gathering, and engaging local communities. Shaibu also mentioned the military's investment in modern technology and training to support humanitarian efforts and ensure civilian safety.