The Nigerian Army says it is undertaking a comprehensive transformation of its operational strategy to effectively combat evolving asymmetric and cyber-based security threats facing the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School Seminar in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jeremiah Manjang, the COAS described the seminar’s theme as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges.
He said cyberspace had become a critical strategic domain where state and non-state actors operate with unprecedented speed, creating security threats that transcend geographical boundaries and conventional military operations.
According to him, hostile actors no longer require physical presence to disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, manipulate public opinion or undermine national security through anonymous cyber attacks.
Shaibu noted that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, organised crime, misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being facilitated through digital platforms and cyber networks across the country.
He said terrorist and criminal groups now exploit cyberspace for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising, intelligence gathering, attack coordination and concealment of illicit financial transactions, making proactive responses imperative.
The army chief stressed the need to strengthen cyber intelligence capabilities by deploying artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data analytics to enhance early warning systems, threat detection and predictive security analysis.
He also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military, law enforcement agencies, academia and the private sector, saying effective cybersecurity requires coordinated national efforts and the development of robust indigenous response frameworks.
Shaibu emphasised the importance of sustained investment in indigenous cyber capabilities, research, technological innovation and human capacity development to safeguard Nigeria’s digital sovereignty against emerging cyber threats.
He added that integrating cyber capabilities with conventional military operations would enhance surveillance, intelligence fusion, geospatial analysis, command-and-control systems, situational awareness and overall mission effectiveness.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to strengthening cyber infrastructure, specialised training, technological innovation and strategic partnerships as part of its transformation agenda for the digital age,” he said.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School, Brig.-Gen. Jacob Bawa, said the seminar was designed to deepen cybersecurity awareness, strengthen cyber resilience and promote national security through collaboration.
Bawa observed that increasing reliance on digital technologies had exposed critical infrastructure, including telecommunications, electricity, financial systems and government databases, to cybercriminals, terrorists and hostile state actors.
He said the school was established as a centre of excellence for cyber warfare training, education and research, providing a platform for professional engagement among cybersecurity experts and policymakers.
According to him, participants will deliberate on cyber resilience, threat intelligence, incident response, cyber warfare and emerging technologies with the aim of developing practical recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Also speaking, global cybersecurity expert, Mr. Abdulhakeem Ajijola, warned that national security now depends heavily on the protection of digital systems, noting that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing military decision-making, command structures and the security of critical infrastructure.
Ajijola urged Nigeria to develop sovereign cyber capabilities, warning that overreliance on foreign-controlled software, digital platforms and AI systems could weaken national resilience, disrupt operational continuity and compromise independent decision-making during crises.
He further advised military commanders to prioritise AI governance, indigenous innovation and resilient digital infrastructure, stressing that while technology should enhance national security, accountability for operational decisions must remain with human commanders.
