Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting the country's sovereignty, defending its territorial integrity and confronting evolving security threats. Shaibu made the remarks Saturday while delivering the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Lecture at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed "Protecting the People and the Dynamics of Nigeria's National Security: Way Forward for the Nigerian Army." According to a statement by Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS described the lecture as a strategic platform for examining Nigeria's shifting security landscape and strengthening collective efforts toward a peaceful and prosperous nation. He noted that the country's security environment has grown increasingly complex, driven by insurgency, terrorism, banditry, cyber warfare, transnational organized crime and resource-based conflicts, while also pointing to instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea as major regional concerns shaping the Army's strategic calculus. He added that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and expanding cyber capabilities, are reshaping the modern battlespace and demand continuous adaptation. Shaibu said the Army has strengthened its operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations and closer collaboration with sister security agencies, alongside enhanced civil-military cooperation and the integration of emerging technologies into its operations. He identified innovation, professionalism, strategic partnerships and technological advancement as critical pillars for achieving lasting national security, and said the institutionalization of a "Soldier-First Culture" continues to serve as a force multiplier for operational performance. The Army chief reiterated that all operations remain anchored on a people-centered philosophy grounded in human rights, civilian protection and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement. The lecture forms part of a week of activities marking the Nigerian Army's 163rd anniversary, running from July 1 to July 6 in Port Harcourt under the broader theme "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army." The commemoration has also featured an interdenominational church service, a press briefing on the Army's ongoing expansion — including plans to recruit an additional 28,000 troops and a newly established training depot at Amasiri Edda — as well as the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026, which is bringing together African army chiefs, defence industry representatives and policymakers to discuss regional security cooperation, alongside a cocktail reception aimed at deepening defence diplomacy with visiting military leaders. The celebration is set to close with a grand finale parade on July 6.