The Nigerian Army has launched a major transformation of its cyber warfare capabilities as part of efforts to tackle increasingly sophisticated asymmetric, cyber-based and transnational security threats.
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 army chief described the seminar’s theme as timely, noting that cyberspace had become a critical battlefield where both state and non-state actors operate with unprecedented speed and reach.
He warned that hostile groups no longer require physical presence to sabotage critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, manipulate public opinion or undermine national security through anonymous cyber attacks.
According to Shaibu, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, organised crime, misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being coordinated and amplified through digital platforms and cyber networks.
He said terrorist and criminal groups now exploit cyberspace for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising, intelligence gathering, operational coordination and concealment of illicit financial transactions, underscoring the need for proactive national responses.
To counter the evolving threats, the COAS called for enhanced cyber intelligence capabilities powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data analytics to improve early warning systems, threat detection and predictive security analysis.
He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, the military, law enforcement agencies, academia and the private sector to build robust indigenous cybersecurity frameworks.
Shaibu advocated sustained investment in local cyber capabilities, research, technological innovation and human capital development to protect Nigeria’s digital sovereignty against emerging threats.
He added that integrating cyber capabilities into 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.
He noted that growing dependence on digital technologies had increased the vulnerability of critical infrastructure—including telecommunications, power systems, financial institutions and government databases—to cybercriminals, terrorists and hostile state actors.
Bawa said the school serves as a centre of excellence for cyber warfare training, education and research, providing a platform for cybersecurity experts and policymakers to develop practical solutions to emerging digital threats.
He added that participants would examine issues relating to cyber resilience, threat intelligence, incident response, cyber warfare and emerging technologies to generate recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Also speaking, Global Cybersecurity Resource, Mr. Abdulhakeem Ajijola, warned that national security now depends heavily on safeguarding digital systems, noting that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing military operations, command structures and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Ajijola urged Nigeria to develop sovereign cyber capabilities, warning that excessive dependence on foreign-controlled software, digital platforms and AI systems could undermine national resilience, operational continuity and independent decision-making during crises.
He called on military commanders to prioritise AI governance, indigenous innovation and resilient digital infrastructure, stressing that while technology should strengthen national sovereignty, responsibility for operational decisions must always remain with human commanders.
