General Waidi Shaibu Delivers Lecture on Modern Security Threats

General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to a dynamic, intelligence-led and technology-enabled approach to countering asymmetric threats to national security. He made this assertion while delivering a strategic lecture to participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34, where he outlined the evolving nature of modern warfare and Nigeria’s security landscape.

General Waidi Shaibu explained that the character of conflict facing Nigeria has shifted significantly from conventional warfare to complex, irregular threats. According to him, non-state actors now exploit governance gaps, societal vulnerabilities, and emerging technologies to challenge national stability, making traditional military responses increasingly insufficient.

The Chief of Army Staff noted that the Nigerian Army is actively reforming its operational doctrine to reflect these realities. He stressed that intelligence-driven planning, adaptability, and technological integration are now central to military effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges.

General Waidi Shaibu Highlights Changing Nature of Modern Warfare

General Waidi Shaibu told the NDC Course 34 participants that modern security threats are no longer confined to clearly defined battlefields or uniformed adversaries. He said the Nigerian Army now confronts insurgents, terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors who operate through decentralised networks and blend into civilian environments.

He pointed out that these groups rely heavily on modern communication tools, digital platforms, and unconventional tactics to coordinate activities and evade detection. This, he explained, requires a departure from rigid, conventional military strategies toward more flexible and intelligence-based operational models.

General Waidi Shaibu further emphasised that understanding the root causes of insecurity — including socio-economic and governance-related factors — is critical to effective military response. He noted that success against asymmetric threats depends not only on firepower but also on accurate intelligence and strategic foresight.

General Waidi Shaibu Emphasises Technology and Intelligence-Driven Operations

General Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed that intelligence remains the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s counter-asymmetric operations. He stated that timely and actionable intelligence allows the Army to anticipate threats, disrupt hostile networks, and minimise collateral damage during operations.

He also highlighted the increasing role of technology in enhancing military capabilities, including surveillance systems, data-driven analysis, and secure communication platforms. According to him, these tools are being deployed to improve situational awareness and support informed decision-making at all operational levels.

Addressing the future military leaders at the National Defence College, General Waidi Shaibu stressed the importance of strategic thinking and continuous adaptation. He concluded by reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and professional excellence in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.