We’ve Noticed the Footprints of Foreign Jihadists Across Our Borders — Nigerian Army Raises Alarm

The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the activities of foreign jihadist groups around the country’s borders, assuring Nigerians that troops are on high alert and fully prepared to confront any threat to the nation’s security.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this on Monday during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Oluyede said the Army had been closely monitoring the deteriorating security situation across countries in the Sahel region and had already observed signs of foreign jihadist movements close to Nigeria’s frontiers.

“It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Army is not oblivious of the dire security situations in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region,” he said.

“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I would like to assure us all that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task.”

The Army chief said the development had further reinforced the military’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and prevent external security threats from spilling into the country.

Drawing confidence from the Army’s long history of service, Oluyede said today’s troops possess the resolve and professionalism to overcome the current security challenges, just as previous generations of Nigerian soldiers distinguished themselves during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group peacekeeping missions.

“Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations in the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions, the Nigerian Army of today will certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation,” he stated.

Reaffirming the Army’s constitutional responsibilities, Oluyede said its primary mission remained the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protection of the country’s national interests, support for civil authorities when required and participation in regional and international peace support operations.

“Our mission therefore remains unchanged, to win all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interest, and accomplish tasks in aid to civil authority,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the Sahel, where extremist groups have expanded their operations, fuelling fears that cross-border terrorist activities could pose fresh security challenges for Nigeria.