The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, says the growing deployment of locally developed military technology by the Nigerian Armed Forces will strengthen the country’s capacity to detect, deter and decisively respond to terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Minister following his visit to the Research and Development Exhibition held during the Grand Finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
General Musa said the exhibition reflected the progress being made towards building an intelligence-driven and technology-enabled defence architecture, describing the event as a strong indication that the vision is steadily taking shape.
He noted that the research works and technological solutions displayed by the Nigerian Army showed that the Armed Forces are translating that vision into practical capabilities through homegrown technology, data-driven solutions and operational ingenuity.
The Minister, who toured the exhibition with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and 16 Chiefs of Army from across Africa, expressed satisfaction with the range of indigenous military products and support systems on display.
“One of the core priorities I outlined on assumption of office is the development of an intelligence-driven and technology-enabled defence architecture. The Research and Development Exhibition at the Grand Finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 was a compelling affirmation that this vision is steadily taking shape,” he said.
“I was pleased to tour the exhibition alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and 16 Chiefs of Army from across Africa. I was highly impressed by the remarkable display of indigenous military innovations, technological advancements and force-support solutions, which reflect the Nigerian Army’s growing commitment to self-reliance, operational excellence and technological transformation.
“The breadth of indigenous research and innovation on display demonstrated that our Armed Forces are steadily translating this vision into tangible capabilities, where homegrown technology, data-driven solutions and operational ingenuity increasingly serve as force multipliers in safeguarding our national security.
“As these capabilities continue to mature, they will enhance our ability to detect, deter and decisively respond to terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats, while providing our troops with the technological advantage required to prevail on the battlefield,” General Musa stated.
The Minister praised the Headquarters Nigerian Army for giving priority to research and development, saying the locally developed solutions demonstrate the creativity of Nigerians and the resolve to build “a modern, agile and mission-ready force capable of protecting our nation while contributing to peace, stability and national security.”