Army chief links Nigeria’s insecurity to Lake Chad, Sahel instability

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has attributed Nigeria’s growing security challenges to the lingering instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, warning that crises in neighbouring regions continue to worsen the country’s internal security situation.

He stated this while delivering a lecture at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the Army chief, Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with the country grappling with insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, transnational organised crime and resource-related conflicts.

He noted that the proliferation of small arms, porous borders and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions have further complicated efforts to address insecurity.

“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,” he said.

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Shaibu observed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber operations and unmanned systems have transformed the nature of modern warfare, making it imperative for the military to adopt innovative strategies to counter evolving threats.

He said the Nigerian Army had continued to strengthen its operations through enhanced collaboration with other security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and deeper engagement with local communities.

The Army chief added that the military had invested in modern technology, capacity building and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace in conflict-affected areas.

According to him, military operations now place greater emphasis on protecting civilians, respecting human rights and building public confidence.

He highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of Human Rights Desks, expanded civil-military relations programmes and the enforcement of rules of engagement designed to prioritise civilian safety.

Shaibu further disclosed that the Army is expanding training in counter-insurgency, urban warfare and cyber defence while supporting reconstruction, peace-building and humanitarian efforts in communities affected by conflict.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to innovation, professionalism and collaboration with regional and international partners in tackling the country’s security challenges.