The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven and technology-enabled strategies to confront asymmetric threats undermining the country’s national security.
Shaibu made the declaration on Tuesday while delivering a strategic lecture titled “Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective” to participants of Course 34 at the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria.
The Army chief noted that the global security landscape has shifted significantly from conventional state-based warfare to complex internal conflicts driven by non-state actors such as terrorists, insurgents, bandits, cybercriminals and transnational organised crime networks.
He explained that these actors often exploit governance gaps, societal vulnerabilities and emerging technologies to destabilise states.
“Asymmetric threats thrive on adaptability, anonymity and the targeting of civilians to erode public confidence and state authority. Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, leveraging military power alongside technology, whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships,” Shaibu said.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has recalibrated its operational doctrine, force posture and deployment of capabilities through a comprehensive multi-domain strategy that combines kinetic operations with intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships.
Highlighting operations across the country, Shaibu stated that counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East have continued to weaken terrorist networks through offensive operations, intelligence-driven strikes and stabilisation programmes focused on protecting communities.
He added that in the North-West, joint operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups by disrupting their logistics and financing channels while improving the security of vulnerable communities.
In the North-Central region, the Army has focused on stabilisation operations, including area domination, civilian protection and containment of communal and militia-related violence, he said.
The COAS further emphasised the role of modern technologies, improved training and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies in boosting operational effectiveness and situational awareness.
He noted that national security now extends beyond territorial defence to include economic stability, cyber security, environmental protection and human security.
Shaibu stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military efforts alone but requires effective governance, justice delivery and inclusive socio-economic development.
He urged participants of NDC Course 34, whom he described as Nigeria’s future strategic and operational leaders, to adopt forward-looking and integrated security strategies that address both immediate threats and the root causes of conflict.
The Army chief also reassured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting lives and property, and securing critical national infrastructure despite evolving security challenges.
The statement was issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
