Army Detects Foreign Jihadist Movement, Vows to Secure Nigeria’s Borders

• Army chief says troops have identified signs of foreign jihadist activity around Nigeria’s borders.

• Tinubu pledges greater investment in military technology, local arms production and defence research.

• More than 80 per cent of Nigerian soldiers are currently engaged in nationwide security operations.

The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the presence of foreign jihadist elements around the country’s borders, assuring Nigerians that the military is fully prepared to prevent any infiltration and neutralise emerging threats to national security.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Monday during the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he reaffirmed the Army’s determination to confront evolving security challenges confronting the country.

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The event, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” was attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside senior military officers, government officials and foreign defence delegates.

Shaibu’s warning comes against the backdrop of increasing extremist activities in neighbouring countries, including the recent attack on an airport in Niger Republic by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and repeated attempts by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to overrun military formations in Nigeria.

“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I want to assure Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains alert and equal to the task,” the Army chief said.

He expressed confidence that the military would overcome the present security threats, just as previous generations of soldiers successfully confronted the challenges of the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and regional peacekeeping operations under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

According to Shaibu, the Army has continued to adapt to changing security realities while remaining committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He noted that this year’s celebration comes at a critical period, with more than 80 per cent of Nigerian troops actively deployed in various operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.

“The celebration is a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era,” he added.

Representing President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through modern technology, enhanced training and sustained investment in indigenous defence production.

He said the administration is prioritising research and innovation to improve military readiness and equip security agencies to respond effectively to contemporary threats.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu highlighted the ongoing revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), describing it as a key component of the government’s strategy to boost local production of military equipment, create skilled jobs and reduce dependence on foreign defence supplies.

He also described the African Land Forces Forum, held alongside the Army Day celebration, as an important platform for deepening defence diplomacy, intelligence sharing, border security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, cybersecurity resilience and the application of artificial intelligence in national security.

The President urged officers and soldiers to continue serving Nigerians with professionalism, discipline and integrity.

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“Serve the people with the same devotion you bring to defending them, because the uniform commands respect only when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen,” he said.

Tinubu further paid tribute to fallen military personnel, assuring that their sacrifices would remain a lasting symbol of patriotism and that the nation would continue to support their families.

In his goodwill message, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary and said hosting the celebration in Port Harcourt demonstrated the improved security situation in the state.

He commended the professionalism of the Army, advocated improved welfare for military personnel and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.

Among dignitaries at the ceremony were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, senior military commanders and other top government officials.