President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying emerging technologies to tackle evolving security threats and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
The President said his administration is accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through investments in advanced military hardware and enhanced personnel training to improve operational planning and combat readiness.
Tinubu made the pledge on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the African Land Forces Forum (ALFF), themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
Speaking at the Liberation Stadium (Yakubu Gowon Stadium), where the maiden joint annual event was organised by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with ALFF, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, vowed to end insecurity through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.
“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 was quoted as saying in a statement by the media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
Tinubu also identified sustained investment in research and development as a key strategy for advancing military technology and strengthening indigenous innovation.
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He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside partnerships such as the ALFF, reflects his administration’s determination to build local capacity for military hardware production while creating skilled jobs.
According to him, although previous administrations made efforts to revive DICON, his government is determined to modernise the corporation to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
The President described the establishment of the ALFF as a welcome development and commended Great Minds Event Management for promoting Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy, enhancing the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise, and advancing security solutions and economic opportunities.
He also praised the Armed Forces, describing them as “a model of selfless service to the people and a source of pride across the African continent.”
“Their devotion to neutralising threats in this part of the world extends beyond our borders. It becomes a real contribution to global security, peace, and stability,” he added.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tinubu assured that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten. Their courage lives in the freedom we breathe, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation,” he said.
The President also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Great Minds Event Management for their leadership in organising the maiden joint event, saying the collaboration had strengthened regional and global cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue on defence and security across Africa.
Earlier, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the event as significant for the state, saying it reflected the return of peace and normalcy despite negative narratives about Rivers.
He also paid tribute to the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Army and urged the Federal Government to further improve the welfare of military personnel.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians in line with the theme of the 2026 celebration.
He noted that the evolving security environment continues to reshape the Army’s operational strategies, adding that the dedication of officers and soldiers across various theatres of operation remains a defining legacy of the current military leadership.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to officers and personnel of the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the Army and pledged the unwavering loyalty of officers and men to the President.
The event featured the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military demonstrations, and displays by various Army units and formations.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; members of the National Assembly; the Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; former service chiefs; and senior military officers.
