President Bola Tinubu has pledged to deploy artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, saying his administration is determined to modernise the military to tackle evolving threats.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt on Monday, Tinubu said technology and capacity building would be central to the new security approach.
He 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”.
He added that efforts to boost research, technology and local innovation in the Armed Forces are already underway, with the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) at the centre of the plan.
“This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges,” he said, expressing optimism that strategic partnerships would boost local production of high-end combat equipment and improve operational effectiveness.
Tinubu highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in national security, noting that collaboration through the African Land Forces Forum would promote key areas including: intelligence sharing, border security, counter-terrorism as well as cybersecurity resilience and exploration of opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security.
Commending the military, the President told soldiers to remain people-focused.
“Serve the people with the same devotion you bring to defending them, for the uniform commands respect only when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen,” Tinubu said.
The announcement signals a shift toward tech-driven warfare as Nigeria contends with insurgency, banditry, and cyber threats. The push to revive DICON also aligns with the government’s broader goal of reducing reliance on foreign arms and building local defence manufacturing capacity.
NADCEL 2026 in Port Harcourt brought together senior military officers, defence partners, and government officials to review the Army’s performance and project its future direction.