Tinubu Promises Military Modernisation To Tackle Evolving Security Threats

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reposition and strengthen the Nigerian Army as the country faces rising security challenges.

The President made the declaration at the end of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration which held on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said his administration would modernize the Nigerian Army through the deployment of emerging technologies and the strengthening of operational capabilities across all theatres of operation to improve military planning, combat readiness and the nation’s response to evolving security threats.

“My administration is committed to confronting modern threats through the use of emerging technologies and building capacity across all battle spaces, improving operational planning and readiness,” he said.

The investment in R&D in the Armed Forces, and the push for technological advancement and indigenous innovation, are gaining momentum, he said.

He said, “The drive is anchored on the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, and the partnership expected to be formed with the forum will add fresh impetus to local defence manufacturing, create skilled jobs and boost Nigeria’s capacity to support counter-terrorism operations through indigenous production.

He also welcomed the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum, which he said would serve as a platform to enhance security cooperation throughout Africa.

“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” Tinubu said, noting that his government shares the aspirations of the forum’s organisers to raise Nigeria’s standing in defence diplomacy and enhance the Army’s combat readiness through shared expertise.

The President commended the Nigerian troops for their sacrifices in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the families of personnel that lost their lives in the line of duty.

To the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, you carry a trust that few are asked to carry and you carry it with an honour that steadies the whole nation.

“The people must be treated with the same care that you have in defending them, for the uniform is respected only when it defends the weak and the dignity of every citizen,” he said.

Also speaking, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, lauded the Nigerian Army for its remarkable strides in technological advancement and manpower development.

He said the institution had the support of his administration and called for improved welfare for soldiers, adding that better conditions of service would make them more effective in the performance of their duties.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in his welcome address said the celebration is coming at a critical period as over 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently involved in operations against insurgency and other security threats across the country.

“The Army has evolved and changed with the nation over the decades,” he said, “to meet new realities, to shoulder more responsibilities in defending the country.”

Shaibu said the Army was aware of the infiltration of jihadist groups from neighbouring countries and assured Nigerians that troops were fully prepared to confront and defeat the threat.

He said that the Army is an institution built on selfless service, loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice, adding that the Army is committed to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and protection of the lives and aspirations of its citizens.

“The anniversary is a renewal of the Army’s dedication to national service,” he said. “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protect the nation and serve the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.

The army is closely watching the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, he added.

“We have already seen the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I wish to reassure all of us that the Nigerian Army is alert and up to the task.

Shaibu said, “The Nigerian Army of today will definitely triumph in confronting the security challenges of our generation just as our forefathers successfully confronted the security challenges of their generations in the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions.

This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration was marked with the theme “Protecting the People and Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.

Parades of the Army’s corps and departments and demonstrations of land and aerial combat capabilities also took place.

Dignitaries in attendance include the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and retired service chiefs and Army chiefs of several African countries.