Tinubu unveils tech-driven strategies to crush terrorism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  has said his administration would intensify the deployment of emerging technologies and intelligence-driven operations to defeat terrorism and other security threats.

He also expressed the government’s resolve to modernise the Armed Forces and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, quoted President Tinubu as saying this in a message to participants  at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and the maiden African Land Forces Forum (ALFF) at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

At the event which featured the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards as well as military demonstrations and displays by various formations of the Nigerian Army, were former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa; the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke.

Also present were some members of the National Assembly, Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom state, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi; Rivers state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; former service chiefs and senior military officers, among others.

 Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president said the federal government would revive the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to boost local production of military hardware, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a self-reliant defence industry capable of supporting national security.

According to him, the administration was investing heavily in modern military hardware, research, innovation and personnel development to improve operational planning and combat readiness.

He said the fast changing nature of security threats necessitated the adoption of advanced technologies and improved capacity across all battle spaces.

Tinubu said “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.”

According to him, sustained investment in research and development remained central to the administration’s security agenda, stressing that home-grown innovations would play a vital role in advancing the country’s defence capabilities.

The president said the renewed effort to revive DICON, alongside strategic partnerships such as the ALFF, would build confidence in the nation’s ability to produce its own military equipment while creating skilled employment opportunities.

While acknowledging the efforts of the past administrations in repositioning DICON, the president expressed his government’s determination to actualise its full revival to equip the Nigerian Army to effectively confront evolving security challenges.

The president described the ALFF as a significant platform for strengthening defence diplomacy, enhancing operational capabilities through knowledge sharing and fostering regional cooperation against common security threats.

Tinubu commended Great Minds Event Management for partnering with the Nigerian Army to organise the maiden joint event, assuring that the initiative would advance security solutions, deepen strategic dialogue and create economic opportunities across the continent.

He  saluted the officers and men of the Armed Forces, describing them as symbols of selfless service whose sacrifices continue to guarantee Nigeria’s unity and contribute to regional and global peace.

“Their 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,” he said.

Tinubu, who also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership in hosting the twin events,  said the initiative had successfully promoted innovation, regional cooperation and strategic dialogue among African land forces.

…Event evidence of peace – Fubara

Speaking earlier, Governor  Siminalayi Fubara  said the hosting of the celebration in Rivers state was evidence of peace and normalcy in the state, contrary to negative perceptions.

He lauded the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices in protecting the country and appealed to the federal government to further improve the welfare and wellbeing of military personnel.

 In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens.

This, he said, was  in line with the theme of the 2026 celebration; “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

According to him, emerging security threats were reshaping military operations, adding however that the dedication of officers and soldiers across various theatres of operation remained the enduring strength of the Army.

The army boss thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Army, eve as he further pledged the unwavering loyalty of officers and soldiers to the Commander-in-Chief.