Nigeria security challenges have become increasingly complex due to growing instability across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said, stressing the need for innovative strategies to counter evolving security threats.
Oluyede made the remarks while delivering the lecture at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said Nigeria’s security landscape continues to evolve, requiring the military to strengthen its operational capabilities while adapting to emerging global and regional threats.
Speaking on Nigeria security challenges, the Army Chief identified insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, transnational organised crime and resource-related conflicts as major threats confronting the country.
He also highlighted the proliferation of small arms, porous borders and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions as factors contributing to insecurity. According to Oluyede, regional instability has significantly worsened Nigeria’s domestic security situation.
“Beyond Nigeria’s borders, instability within the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and along the Gulf of Guinea continues to influence and exacerbate the domestic threat environment.”
The Army Chief further noted that developments in cyber operations, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and other emerging technologies have transformed modern warfare, making continuous adaptation essential for the Nigerian Army. Despite these challenges, he said the military has sustained its operations through closer collaboration with other security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering and stronger community engagement initiatives.
Oluyede disclosed that the Army has also expanded investments in modern military technology, personnel development and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations designed to weaken criminal networks and restore peace in affected communities. He added that military operations now place greater emphasis on civilian protection, human rights compliance and public confidence.
According to him, initiatives such as the establishment of Human Rights Desks, strengthened civil-military cooperation and rules of engagement that prioritise civilian safety reflect the Army’s commitment to responsible operations. The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing specialised training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency and cyber defence, alongside support for internally displaced persons, post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building efforts.
The discussion on Nigeria security challenges underscores the military’s intention to deepen its transformation through innovation, professionalism and collaboration with regional and international partners.
Oluyede said the Army plans to increase the use of artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and data analytics to improve operational efficiency, intelligence gathering and situational awareness. He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to its “Soldier-First Culture,” describing military personnel as the institution’s most valuable resource and pledging continued attention to their welfare, motivation and ethical conduct.
The Army Chief maintained that confronting Nigeria’s evolving security threats will require sustained innovation, stronger partnerships and continued investment in personnel and technology. He expressed confidence that these measures would strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard lives, protect communities and preserve national security.
