**Hails sacrifices of troops, vows intelligence-led operations against insecurity

***Says DICON revamp, African Land Forces Forum partnership will boost local defence production

President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying emerging technologies, intelligence-driven operations and indigenous defence production to defeat terrorism and other security threats confronting the country.

The President said his administration was accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through investments in advanced military hardware, personnel training and operational capacity to improve combat readiness across all theatres of operation.

Tinubu spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the maiden African Land Forces Forum (ALFF), held under the theme: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the President declared that his administration would continue to strengthen the military’s ability to confront evolving security threats through technology-driven and intelligence-led operations.

“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 said.

Tinubu said sustained investment in research and development remained central to his government’s strategy of advancing military technology and promoting home-grown innovations.

He added that the ongoing revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside strategic partnerships such as the African Land Forces Forum, would strengthen Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on foreign military supplies.

According to him, the initiatives would build “the confidence that flows from a nation able to arm itself” while creating skilled jobs and boosting the local defence industry.

The President acknowledged previous attempts by successive administrations to reposition DICON but said his government was determined to complete its transformation to meet the demands of modern warfare.

He described the establishment of the African Land Forces Forum as a significant milestone in strengthening regional defence cooperation and commended Great Minds Event Management for helping to promote Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy.

Tinubu said the forum would deepen strategic dialogue, facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army through collaboration with partner nations.

Paying tribute to the Armed Forces, the President described Nigerian troops as symbols of courage, sacrifice and patriotism whose contributions extended beyond the country’s borders.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain 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 is a real contribution to global security, peace and stability,” he said.

He also honoured fallen soldiers, assuring that the nation would never forget their sacrifices.

“Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten. Their courage lives in the freedom we enjoy, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation,” he added.

Tinubu further commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Great Minds Event Management for successfully hosting the maiden joint celebration, saying the initiative had strengthened regional and global cooperation in defence, innovation and security.

Earlier, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the event as symbolic of the return of peace and stability to the state.

He urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of citizens.

He said although emerging security threats had continued to reshape military operations, the resilience and professionalism displayed by officers and soldiers across various operational theatres remained a defining legacy of the current Army leadership.

Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and pledged the loyalty and commitment of officers and soldiers to the defence of the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military drills and tactical displays by various units and formations of the Nigerian Army.

Among dignitaries at the event were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; members of the National Assembly; Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa; 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 other senior military officers.