Nigeria's Army Chief Pledges Victory Over Foreign Jihadists Near Borders

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, revealed on Monday that the military had identified foreign jihadist operations close to the nation's boundaries. He gave assurances to citizens that this emerging threat would be met with a decisive response. General Shaibu made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The prestigious event saw the attendance of President Bola Tinubu, whose representation was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The theme for the celebration was “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

The declaration follows a series of armed militant assaults in neighbouring countries, including a recent airport attack in Niger by JNIM that resulted in casualties. Additionally, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has made attempts to infiltrate and overrun military installations within Nigeria, with troops successfully thwarting these efforts.

Addressing the audience, Shaibu stated, “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 overcame the challenges of their generations in 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.” He emphasized the Nigerian Army's continuous evolution to adapt to changing security landscapes, while steadfastly upholding its commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further noted that the Army remains guided by core values such as selfless service, loyalty, honour, courage, and sacrifice.

Shaibu highlighted the significance of the event, explaining, “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era. 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 against diverse security challenges across the country.”

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration's dedication to tackling Nigeria's evolving security threats. This commitment involves integrating emerging technologies, enhancing military capabilities, and consistently investing in local defence production. The President conveyed the Federal Government's plans to modernize the Nigerian Army to bolster its operational readiness and improve combat effectiveness in response to current security threats.

President Tinubu, through Shettima, asserted, “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, focus on sustained research and development in defence aimed at advancing technologies and strengthening homegrown innovations is 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 self-reliance that grows from a nation able to arm itself.”

The President reiterated the government's resolve to modernize the Army, empowering it to more effectively confront contemporary security challenges. He added, “This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges. We, therefore, align with the aim of the organisers to amplify Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy and enhance our Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise. To this end, successive governments have made efforts to reposition DICON, and the hosting of the African Land Forces Forum is a welcome development that will promote the growth of our defence industries. It is my hope that this strategic partnership will significantly boost DICON’s capacity to produce high-end combat equipment while advancing local content development.”

In his commendation to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, President Tinubu stated, “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 of a secure and prosperous Nigeria within a stable and confident Africa will be won by the discipline, the sacrifice and the unity that this gathering represents.”