Chief Of Army Staff Declares Open Cyber Security Seminar In Abuja Harps On Cyber Warfare Need To Strengthen National Infrastructure Protection

Chief Of Army Staff Declares Open Cyber Security Seminar In Abuja Harps On Cyber Warfare Need To Strengthen National Infrastructure Protection

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, officially declared open the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School (NACWS) Cybersecurity Seminar. Speaking at the event, the COAS, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Jeremiah Manjang, emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in contemporary national security. He stressed that the increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands sustained investment in human capacity, innovation, and inter-agency cooperation to effectively protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and strategic assets.

Addressing the participants at the School Auditorium, Major General Manjang commended the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School for its proactive role in developing the competencies required to confront emerging cyber threats and safeguard Nigeria’s digital environment. He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a resilient cyberspace and strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s National Critical Infrastructure (NCI).

The seminar, which was organized in line with the School’s mandate to enhance capacity in cyber operations and critical infrastructure protection, was themed “Cybersecurity and National Stability: Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure Against Disruption, Sabotage and Cyberattacks.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commandant, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School, Brigadier General Jacob Bawa, warmly welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support for the advancement of cyber capacity development within the Nigerian Army. He stated that the seminar reflects the School’s continued commitment to providing a platform for knowledge sharing, professional engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the dynamic cybersecurity landscape. He urged participants to take full advantage of the discussions and engagements to generate practical solutions capable of enhancing national cyber resilience.

The seminar featured a keynote address by renowned global cybersecurity expert, Mr Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, who highlighted the strategic importance of collective action in securing cyberspace. He stressed that protecting critical infrastructure requires strong partnerships among government institutions, the military, the private sector, academia, and international stakeholders. He encouraged participants to embrace innovation, intelligence sharing, and adaptive cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

The Cybersecurity Seminar 2026 is designed to expose participants to the evolving and increasingly complex nature of cyber warfare threats targeting Nigeria’s National Critical Infrastructure. It also aims to provide valuable insights into fostering joint and multi-agency collaboration in safeguarding critical national assets against disruption, sabotage, and cyber attacks.

The event brought together distinguished participants and experts from government ministries, departments, and agencies, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, security and intelligence agencies, academia, the private sector, and the wider cybersecurity community. Through a series of lectures, panel discussions, and technical engagements, participants will deliberate on contemporary cybersecurity challenges and explore practical solutions for strengthening national resilience in cyberspace.

The seminar further proves the Nigerian Army’s resolve to remain at the forefront of cyber defence by promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, and continuous professional development in support of national security and stability.