President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration\u2019s commitment to deploying emerging technologies to tackle evolving security threats and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
The President said his administration is accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through investments in advanced military hardware and enhanced personnel training to improve operational planning and combat readiness.
Tinubu made the pledge on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the African Land Forces Forum (ALFF), themed \u201cProtecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.\u201d
Research and Development Exhibition, highlighting the Nigerian Army\u2019s growing strides in indigenous innovation and technological. advancement. X\/@HQNigerianArmy
Speaking at the Liberation Stadium (Yakubu Gowon Stadium), where the maiden joint annual event was organised by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with ALFF, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, vowed to end insecurity through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.
\u201cMy 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,\u201d Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by the media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
Tinubu also identified sustained investment in research and development as a key strategy for advancing military technology and strengthening indigenous innovation.
He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside partnerships such as the ALFF, reflects his administration\u2019s determination to build local capacity for military hardware production while creating skilled jobs.
According to him, although previous administrations made efforts to revive DICON, his government is determined to modernise the corporation to strengthen the Nigerian Army\u2019s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
The President described the establishment of the ALFF as a welcome development and commended Great Minds Event Management for promoting Nigeria\u2019s leadership in defence diplomacy, enhancing the Nigerian Army\u2019s operational capabilities through shared expertise, and advancing security solutions and economic opportunities.
He also praised the Armed Forces, describing them as \u201ca model of selfless service to the people and a source of pride across the African continent.\u201d
\u201cTheir devotion to neutralising threats in this part of the world extends beyond our borders. It becomes a real contribution to global security, peace, and stability,\u201d he added.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tinubu assured that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
\u201cTheir sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten. Their courage lives in the freedom we breathe, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation,\u201d he said.
The President also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Great Minds Event Management for their leadership in organising the maiden joint event, saying the collaboration had strengthened regional and global cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue on defence and security across Africa.
Earlier, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the event as significant for the state, saying it reflected the return of peace and normalcy despite negative narratives about Rivers.
He also paid tribute to the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Army and urged the Federal Government to further improve the welfare of military personnel.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army\u2019s commitment to defending the nation\u2019s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians in line with the theme of the 2026 celebration.
He noted that the evolving security environment continues to reshape the Army\u2019s operational strategies, adding that the dedication of officers and soldiers across various theatres of operation remains a defining legacy of the current military leadership.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to officers and personnel of the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the Army and pledged the unwavering loyalty of officers and men to the President.
The event featured the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military demonstrations, and displays by various Army units and formations.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; members of the National Assembly; the Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; former service chiefs; and senior military officers.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration\u2019s commitment to deploying emerging technologies to tackle evolving security threats and safeguard the lives of Nigerians. The President said his administration is accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through investments in advanced military hardware and enhanced personnel training to improve operational planning and combat readiness. Tinubu made […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7433,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n