President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army into a modern, technology-driven force capable of confronting the country’s evolving security challenges.
The President made the pledge 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, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue investing in emerging technologies, innovation and enhanced operational capabilities to strengthen the Army’s effectiveness across all theatres of operation.
He said the administration is focused on improving military planning, boosting combat readiness and equipping troops to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats.
“Our administration is firmly committed to countering modern threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and capacity building across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness,” Tinubu stated.
The President highlighted ongoing investments in research and development within the Armed Forces, noting that efforts to promote indigenous defence technology are gathering momentum.
He identified the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as a key pillar of the government’s strategy, saying it would strengthen local defence manufacturing, create skilled jobs and improve Nigeria’s ability to support counter-terrorism operations through locally produced military equipment.
Tinubu also welcomed the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum, describing it as an important platform for strengthening military cooperation and defence diplomacy across the continent.
He praised officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, while assuring families of fallen personnel of the government’s continued support.
Addressing the troops, Tinubu urged them to remain committed to protecting Nigerians with honour, discipline and integrity, stressing that the respect accorded to the military is earned through service to the people and the protection of the vulnerable.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also commended the Nigerian Army for its progress in technological advancement and manpower development, reaffirming his administration’s support and calling for improved welfare packages for personnel to enhance their operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently deployed in various operations against insurgency, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
He warned that the Army has detected the presence of foreign jihadist elements around Nigeria’s borders following the worsening security situation in the Sahel region but assured Nigerians that troops remain fully prepared to neutralise any threat.
Shaibu described the Nigerian Army as an institution founded on courage, honour, loyalty and selfless service, expressing confidence that it would overcome the current security challenges just as it had done during previous conflicts, including the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and ECOMOG peacekeeping operations.
The 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed “Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” featured impressive land and aerial combat demonstrations, military parades and the participation of top government officials, defence chiefs, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, retired service chiefs and military leaders from several African countries.
