The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday led the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), and 16 African Chiefs of Army on a tour of the Research and Development (R&D) Exhibition during the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The exhibition, held at the Liberation Stadium, showcased indigenous military innovations, cutting-edge technologies and force-support solutions designed to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, self-reliance and combat readiness.
Speaking through the exhibition, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing research, innovation and technology as key drivers in tackling evolving security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime and other emerging challenges.
The event also brought together defence researchers, indigenous manufacturers and strategic partners, providing a platform to strengthen collaboration in developing homegrown defence capabilities while fostering knowledge sharing among African militaries.
The participation of 16 African Army Chiefs underscored the growing commitment to regional defence cooperation, collective security and the exchange of best practices in addressing common security challenges across the continent.
Held under the theme, “Protecting the People, Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the exhibition highlighted the Army’s strategic focus on indigenous capacity development, technological advancement and stronger defence partnerships as critical pillars for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and promoting regional peace and stability.
