The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent security challenges to the growing instability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region, and the Gulf of Guinea, warning that cross-border threats continue to undermine the country’s security.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 lecture in Port Harcourt, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede said the deteriorating security situation across the neighbouring regions has significantly complicated Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

He noted that the country is also grappling with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, porous borders, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, and resource-based conflicts, all of which have contributed to an increasingly complex security environment.

According to the Army Chief, the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions by criminal elements has further intensified insecurity, making it imperative for security agencies to adopt innovative strategies and strengthen collaboration with regional and international partners.

Oluyede stressed that addressing the evolving threats requires a comprehensive approach that combines military operations with intelligence sharing, regional cooperation, and sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.

His remarks come amid continued concerns over the spillover effects of insecurity from the wider Sahel region into Nigeria, where armed groups often exploit porous borders to carry out attacks and other criminal activities. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.