Army Chief Advocates for Technological Integration in Military Operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the need for integrating technology into modern combat tactics, pointing out that various terrorist groups and criminal organizations exploit advancements in technology to their advantage.

In a statement released by army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, Shaibu delivered these comments on Tuesday, February 3, while giving a lecture titled "Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective" to students of Course 34 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja.

He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to employing a technology- enhanced, intelligence-driven, and multi-domain strategy to combat asymmetric threats facing the nation's security framework.

Shaibu highlighted the shifting global security dynamics, noting a transition from traditional, state-centric conflicts to intricate intra-state disputes predominantly orchestrated by non-state actors, including terrorists, bandits, and cybercriminals, who take advantage of governance shortfalls and the latest technologies.

He acknowledged that the Nigerian Army has reformulated its approach, force posture, and operational tactics by adopting a comprehensive multi-domain strategy which merges kinetic operations with intelligence collaboration, inter-agency partnerships, joint military exercises with relevant security services, and ongoing international collaborations.

"Asymmetric threats flourish on the basis of adaptability, anonymity, and the targeted attacks on civilians aimed at eroding public trust and state command. Hence, our approach must also be adaptable, proactive, rooted in intelligence, and collaborative," Shaibu articulated, emphasizing the importance of blending military strength with advanced technology, coordinated efforts from government entities, and strategic alliances.

He elaborated that military activities across Nigeria's various geopolitical zones have been customized to address specific threats effectively. For instance, in the North-east, ongoing counter-insurgency missions continue to effectively neutralize terrorist capacities through proactive maneuvers, intelligence-led operations, and community-centered stabilization practices.

In the North-west, collaborative efforts have ramped up pressure on bandit organizations, effectively disrupting their logistics and funding channels while simultaneously enhancing the protection of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, stabilization initiatives in the North-central area have focused on region domination, safeguarding civilians, and managing conflicts related to communal and militia violence.

Shaibu also underlined the positive influence of modern technologies, enhanced training, and robust cooperation with allied security agencies in augmenting situational awareness, operational reach, and mission effectiveness.

He remarked that contemporary national security must extend beyond mere territorial defense to encompass aspects like economic security, cyber resilience, environmental sustainability, and human safety.

The army chief emphasized that sustainable peace can only be attained through military initiatives that align with good governance, equitable justice systems, and inclusive socio-economic growth.

He encouraged participants of NDC Course 34, regarded as the future strategic leaders of Nigeria, to adopt comprehensive and forward-thinking security strategies that target the underlying factors causing conflicts, alongside their visible manifestations. Shaibu reassured the citizens of Nigeria about the military's unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty, safeguard lives and property, and secure essential national infrastructure despite the evolving security challenges.