Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede identified the volatility within the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and the Gulf of Guinea as primary drivers of Nigeria’s internal security crisis. Speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, he explained that geopolitical instability in these neighboring zones directly feeds domestic threats. Nigeria currently faces a multifaceted security environment, dealing with issues ranging from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime and transnational criminal activity.
Oluyede pointed out that porous borders, the widespread availability of small arms, and the exploitation of social divisions have hindered stability efforts. To counter these challenges, the Army is incorporating new technologies such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems into its defensive strategy. He emphasized that the military is prioritizing enhanced intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and deeper engagement with local communities to disrupt criminal networks.
Furthermore, the Army is focusing on balancing kinetic military action with non-kinetic initiatives. This shift includes a stronger emphasis on human rights, the establishment of dedicated Human Rights Desks, and the implementation of strict rules of engagement to protect civilians. Looking ahead, the military is expanding its training in urban combat and cyber defense, while maintaining a commitment to regional partnerships and humanitarian support to restore order across the nation.
