COAS Showcases Indigenous Military Innovations to Defence Minister, 16 African Army Chiefs at NADCEL 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, on Monday led the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, 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.
Held at the Liberation Stadium, the exhibition showcased indigenous military technologies, innovative defence solutions, and force-support equipment designed to enhance the Nigerian Army's operational effectiveness, self-reliance, and technological advancement.
The exhibition highlighted the Nigerian Army's commitment to harnessing research, innovation, and local technology to address evolving security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other emerging challenges.
The event also provided a platform for interaction among military leaders, defence researchers, indigenous manufacturers, and strategic partners, fostering collaboration in the development of advanced defence capabilities. The participation of 16 African Army Chiefs underscored the growing commitment to strengthening regional defence cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collective security across the continent.
The exhibition formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed "Protecting the People, Serving the Nation: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army." It reaffirmed the Army's strategic focus on indigenous capacity development, technological innovation, and stronger defence partnerships as key drivers of national and regional security.
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