Tinubu pledges to deploy AI, emerging tech to combat insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary security threats in the country.

He said this would be achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces to improve operational planning and combat readiness.

The President also disclosed plans to modernise the Nigerian Army by enhancing its capacity to contain prevailing security challenges.

Tinubu stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.

The theme of NADCEL 2026 was ‘Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.’

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated, “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.

“Accordingly, efforts aimed at sustained research and development in the Armed Forces, advancing technology and strengthening homegrown innovations are steadily progressing.

“The revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria stands at the heart of this ambition, and the partnership represented by this forum promises fresh momentum for local production, the creation of skilled employment, and the confidence that grows from a nation able to arm itself.”

He continued, “This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges. We therefore align with the aims of the organisers of this event to amplify Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy and enhance our Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise.

“And we equally share in the vision to advance security solutions and drive economic opportunities. To this end, successive governments have made efforts to reposition the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the coming on board of the African Land Forces Forum to promote the growth of our defence industries is a welcome development.

“It is my hope that this strategic partnership will greatly boost the capacity of DICON to produce high-end combat equipment with bright prospects for operational effectiveness and local content development.”

He hailed the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers, saying, “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.

“The future we seek—a secure and prosperous Nigeria within a stable and confident Africa—will be won by the discipline, sacrifice and unity that this gathering represents,” even as he congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary.”

He further commended the Nigerian Army for its contribution to global security, peace and stability, saying, “Across the arc of our history, Nigerian soldiers stood firm when the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life might continue.

He said, “In markets and classrooms, on farms and along the quiet roads of our communities, the peace that citizens enjoy is the harvest of vigilance kept far from public view, often at the cost of everything a person holds dear.”

The President hailed the strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Army in successfully hosting the African Land Forces Forum, saying the partnership underscored the importance of synergy between the military and the private sector in delivering high-impact engagements of global relevance.

“The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordination among nations, collaboration on border security, capacity building for counter-terrorism operations, and the establishment of regional standby forces.

“Other areas of mutual benefit lie in promoting cybersecurity resilience, addressing climate-induced security risks, and exploring the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security. It is my hope that your interactions cover these areas,” he stated.

Tinubu said the event also honoured fallen heroes, saying, “Their courage lives in the freedom we enjoy, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten.”

Earlier in his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said that over the decades, the Nigerian Army had continued to transform alongside the nation, adapting to new roles and greater responsibilities.

He said the Army is guided by the virtues of selfless service, unwavering loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice, adding that it has remained steadfast in its sacred duty to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity and safeguard the lives and aspirations of its people.

He said the celebration marked a reaffirmation that the Army would remain committed to protecting the nation’s integrity, saying, “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.”

Shaibu revealed that the Army is aware of the presence of foreign jihadists across the nation’s borders, vowing that it would flush them out.

He said, “It is important to note that this year’s celebration comes at a crucial period when over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops are fully committed to ongoing operations to combat the diverse security challenges bedevilling our dear nation.

“It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Army is not oblivious to the dire security situation in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region.

“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.”

In his speech, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the Army on the celebration, saying the decision to host the event in the state showed that Rivers is peaceful and safe.

Fubara said the Nigerian Army has demonstrated commitment and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.

He called for improved welfare for Army personnel, saying those who have served the nation deserved better attention, and pledged the continued support of the state government to the Army and other security agencies.

Dignitaries present at the grand finale included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military and government officials.