Army ready to block foreign jihadists from entering Nigeria – COAS

Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that the Nigerian Army is fully prepared to stop any attempt by foreign extremist groups to infiltrate the country.

Speaking on Sunday at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Shaibu addressed concerns over the increasing activities of foreign jihadist groups around Nigeria’s borders, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

He said the worsening security situation across the Sahel region calls for greater vigilance and sustained military preparedness to counter emerging threats.

The Army chief explained that political instability in neighbouring countries has heightened the possibility of terrorists crossing into Nigeria, noting that security agencies have already identified warning signs of such movements along the nation’s borders.

Drawing from the Nigerian Army’s long history of defending the country during the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and regional peacekeeping missions, Shaibu expressed confidence in the military’s ability to respond effectively to any new security challenge.

“Despite the complex security environment, the Army remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities of protecting the country’s territorial integrity, defending citizens and supporting civil authorities whenever required,” Shaibu said.

“More than 80 per cent of Nigerian Army personnel are currently deployed in various operational theatres across the country, reflecting the military’s commitment to tackling insurgency, terrorism, banditry, separatist violence and other forms of insecurity.”

He stated that the Army has continued to achieve significant operational gains through sustained offensives, improved intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with other security agencies.

Shaibu added that the military is investing in advanced training, modern combat equipment and intelligence capabilities, while strengthening collaboration with other armed services to boost operational efficiency.

The COAS, however, stressed that military action alone cannot permanently solve Nigeria’s security challenges. He called for greater cooperation among all stakeholders, including government at all levels, traditional rulers, local communities, civil society organisations and the general public.

“National security requires a collective effort in which every stakeholder contributes to promoting peace, stability and national development,” he said.

Shaibu also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism and lawful conduct, assuring Nigerians that troops would continue carrying out their duties within the bounds of the law while safeguarding innocent lives.

“The military would continue implementing the Federal Government’s directive to decisively confront criminal elements threatening national security,” he said.

Army ready to block foreign jihadists from entering Nigeria – COAS