The Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist groups and other criminal networks are increasingly exploiting cyberspace to recruit members, raise funds, coordinate attacks and spread propaganda, describing the trend as a growing threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the warning on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School Seminar in Abuja. He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jeremiah Manjang.
Shaibu said cyberspace has become a strategic battlefield where both state and non-state actors operate with speed and anonymity, making cyber threats more sophisticated and difficult to combat.
He explained that hostile actors no longer require a physical presence to disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, manipulate public opinion or undermine national security through cyberattacks.
According to him, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, organised crime, misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being facilitated and coordinated through digital platforms.
“The reality is that terrorist and criminal groups now exploit cyberspace for recruitment, propaganda, fundraising, intelligence gathering, attack coordination and the concealment of illicit financial transactions. This demands a proactive and coordinated national response,” he said.
Shaibu said the evolving security landscape had compelled the Nigerian Army to strengthen its cyber warfare capabilities to counter technology-driven and asymmetric threats effectively.
He called for improved cyber intelligence powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analytics to enhance early warning systems, threat detection and predictive security analysis.
The Army chief also advocated stronger collaboration among government agencies, the military, law enforcement, academia and the private sector, stressing that cybersecurity requires a collective national effort.
He further urged sustained investment in indigenous cyber capabilities, research, technological innovation and human capacity development to safeguard Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and strengthen resilience against emerging cyber threats.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School, Brig.-Gen. Jacob Bawa, said the seminar was organised to deepen cybersecurity awareness, strengthen cyber resilience and foster collaboration among security stakeholders.
Bawa noted that Nigeria’s growing reliance on digital technologies has exposed critical sectors such as telecommunications, electricity, finance and government databases to cybercriminals, terrorist groups and hostile state actors.
Also speaking, Global Cybersecurity Resource, Abdulhakeem Ajijola, warned that national security now depends heavily on the protection of digital systems.
He urged Nigeria to develop sovereign cyber capabilities, cautioning that excessive reliance on foreign-controlled software, digital platforms and artificial intelligence could weaken the country’s resilience and decision-making during national emergencies.
Ajijola stressed that while technology should enhance military operations, responsibility for critical operational decisions must always remain with human commanders.
