President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will harness emerging technologies to crush insecurity across Nigeria, while vowing that the sacrifices of fallen military personnel “will not be in vain.”
The President made the pledge on Monday in Port Harcourt during the Grand Finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the inaugural African Land Forces Forum (ALFF), held at the Liberation Stadium.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the Armed Forces through investment in cutting-edge hardware and capacity building for personnel.
“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,” he declared.
The President identified sustained research and development as a cornerstone of his strategy to advance home-grown innovations, noting that the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and partnerships like the ALFF would build “the confidence that flows from a nation able to arm itself.”
He acknowledged that while successive governments had attempted to revamp DICON, his administration is determined to actualise the vision to modernise the army and meet contemporary security challenges.
Paying tribute to the nation’s armed forces, President Tinubu described them as “a model of selfless service to the people and a source of pride across the African continent.”
“Their 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,” he added.
Addressing the families of fallen soldiers, the President assured: “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 commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Great Minds Event Management for the maiden twin event, saying the collaboration “has achieved its objectives of fostering regional and global cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue in defence and security.”
Earlier, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the event as significant, symbolising peace and normalcy in the state. He urged the administration to improve the welfare and wellbeing of military personnel.
Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that while the contemporary security environment was redefining operational strategies, the efforts of officers and men across theatres of operation remained an enduring legacy.
The occasion featured the presentation of Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military demonstrations, and displays by various units and formations.
Dignitaries included former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Defence Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, members of the National Assembly, deputy governors, and senior military officers.
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