Nigerian Army Adopts Multi-Domain, Intelligence-Led Strategy to Tackle Asymmetric Threats - COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to a dynamic, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled approach in confronting asymmetric threats to Nigeria’s national security. 

Lieutenant General Shaibu made the declaration on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, while delivering a strategic lecture titled “Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective” to participants of Course 34 at the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria.

The COAS noted that the global security landscape has undergone a profound transformation, shifting from conventional state-centric warfare to complex intra-state conflicts dominated by non-state actors such as terrorists, insurgents, bandits, cybercriminals and transnational organised crime networks. He explained that these groups deliberately exploit governance gaps, societal vulnerabilities and emerging technologies to undermine state authority.

In response, he stated that the Nigerian Army has deliberately recalibrated its operational doctrine, force posture and employment of capabilities through a comprehensive multi-domain strategy. This approach, according to him, integrates decisive kinetic action with intelligence fusion, inter-agency collaboration, joint operations with sister services and sustained international partnerships.

“Asymmetric threats thrive on adaptability, anonymity and the deliberate targeting of civilians to erode public confidence and state authority. Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, leveraging military power alongside technology, whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships,” the COAS said.

Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that Nigerian Army operations across the country’s geo-political zones are deliberately tailored to prevailing threat dynamics. In the North-East, sustained counter-insurgency operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities through offensive manoeuvres, intelligence-driven strikes and population-centric stabilisation efforts.

In the North-West, he said intensified joint operations have increased pressure on bandit groups, disrupted their logistics and financing networks, and strengthened the protection of vulnerable communities. Similarly, in the North-Central region, enduring stabilisation operations have focused on area domination, protection of civilians and the containment of communal and militia-related violence.

The COAS further highlighted the growing impact of advanced technologies, enhanced training regimes and deeper jointness with sister services in improving situational awareness, operational reach and mission effectiveness. He stressed that modern national security extends beyond territorial defence to include economic security, cyber resilience, environmental stability and human security.

According to him, sustainable peace can only be achieved when military operations are complemented by effective governance, justice delivery and inclusive socio-economic development.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged participants of NDC Course 34—whom he described as Nigeria’s future strategic and operational leaders—to embrace integrated, forward-looking security frameworks that address both the immediate manifestations and root causes of conflict.

He reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s steadfast resolve to defend national sovereignty, protect lives and property, and secure critical national infrastructure, even as security threats continue to evolve in form and complexity.