Instability in Lake Chad, Sahel worsening Nigeria’s insecurity – Says Army chief

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Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede

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By Daniel Abia

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PORT HARCOURT — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has attributed Nigeria’s security challenges to instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, stressing the need for innovative strategies to address evolving threats.

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Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 lecture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Army Chief said the country’s security environment had become increasingly complex and required fresh approaches to safeguard lives and property.

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He noted that Nigeria continues to contend with insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, transnational organised crime and resource-related conflicts, alongside the proliferation of small arms, porous borders and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions.

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According to him, regional instability has continued to compound domestic security concerns.

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“Beyond Nigeria’s borders, instability within the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel Region and along the Gulf of Guinea continues to influence and exacerbate the domestic threat environment,” he said.

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He added that global developments, including cyber operations, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and other emerging technologies, have changed the nature of warfare and require the Nigerian Army to continually adapt.

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Despite the challenges, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army had remained resilient through enhanced joint operations with other security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and stronger community engagement.

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He said the Army had also invested in modern technology, capacity building and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and restoring peace in affected communities.

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Oluyede noted that the Army’s operations now place greater emphasis on protecting civilians, respecting human rights and building public confidence.

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According to him, initiatives such as the establishment of Human Rights Desks, expanded civil-military cooperation and the implementation of rules of engagement that prioritise civilian safety demonstrate the military’s commitment to responsible operations.

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He also highlighted ongoing training in urban warfare, counter-insurgency and cyber defence, as well as the Army’s support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction efforts and peace-building initiatives in conflict-affected areas.

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Looking ahead, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation through innovation, professionalism and collaboration with regional and international partners.

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He emphasised the need to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and data analytics to improve operational effectiveness and situational awareness.

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Oluyede also reiterated the importance of the Army’s “Soldier-First Culture,” describing personnel as the institution’s greatest asset.

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He said the welfare, motivation and ethical conduct of soldiers would remain a priority as the Army continues to confront Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

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