Army Unveils Intelligence-Led Strategy to Combat Terrorism, Banditry, Cybercrime
The Nigerian Army has unveiled a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at countering terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and other asymmetric threats, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, following his lecture at the National Defence College (NDC), Course 34, titled *“Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective.”*
Lt. Gen. Shaibu said Nigeria’s evolving security environment demands a “dynamic, technology-enabled and multi-domain” approach, noting that modern conflicts have shifted from conventional state-on-state warfare to complex intra-state crises driven largely by non-state actors.
He warned that terrorists, insurgents, bandits, cybercriminals and transnational crime networks exploit governance gaps, social vulnerabilities and emerging technologies to undermine public confidence and weaken state authority.
According to him, the Army’s response is anchored on decisive operations, intelligence fusion, inter-agency collaboration, joint exercises with sister services and strategic international partnerships.
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“Asymmetric threats thrive on adaptability, anonymity and the deliberate targeting of civilians to erode public trust and state authority. Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, combining military power with technology, whole-of-government coordination and strong strategic partnerships,” the COAS said.
Highlighting region-specific operational strategies, Lt. Gen. Shaibu explained that in the North-East, counter-insurgency operations are focused on degrading terrorist capabilities while prioritising the protection of civilians.
In the North-West, he said joint security operations have disrupted bandit networks, including their logistics and financing channels, while in the North-Central region, stabilisation efforts are centred on area domination and the suppression of communal and militia-related violence.
The Army Chief also underscored the growing role of advanced technology and enhanced training in strengthening operational effectiveness, adding that contemporary national security now extends beyond territorial defence to include economic security, cyber resilience, environmental stability and human security.
Addressing participants of the NDC, whom he described as Nigeria’s future strategic leaders, Lt. Gen. Shaibu urged the adoption of forward-looking and integrated security frameworks.
“Enduring peace can only be achieved when military operations are reinforced by effective governance, the delivery of justice and inclusive socio-economic development,” he said.
He reassured Nigerians of the Army’s unwavering resolve to defend national sovereignty, protect lives and property, and safeguard critical national infrastructure, even as security threats continue to evolve in form and complexity.
By PRNigeria
