Nigeria’s cyber warfare capability earns praise from South African Army chief
The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, has praised the growing capabilities of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), noting the significant progress it has
The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, has praised the growing capabilities of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), noting the significant progress it has made within a short period since its establishment.
General Mbatha said this on Monday during a visit to the NACWC in Abuja, where he was received by the Commander of the Command, Major General Kennedy Osemwegie.
The South Africa Army Chief noted that cyber capability has become a strategic necessity for modern militaries due to the growing threats in the digital space.
He said countries are increasingly facing attacks and pressure in cyberspace, while modern security threats have expanded beyond conventional battlefields, making cyber operations and the development of cyber warfare capabilities essential components of contemporary military strategy and national defence.
Mbatha commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the Cyber Warfare Command and building capacity in the field within a short period.
“The Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command was established in 2020, and within this short period it has made a strong take-off,” he said.
“In South Africa, signals capability currently sits within Defence Intelligence, but the need for cyber capability is clear. We are under constant bombardment in cyber space.”
The South African Army Chief noted that although cyber capability exists in South Africa, the country is still undergoing a transitional phase in fully developing the structure due to resource considerations.
He added that the lessons from the NACWC operational structure and mandate would contribute to strategic discussions within the South African military.
Mbatha said: “From what I have learned here, based on your mandate and operational exposure, this capability is not just a concept but a reality. I will take this back into my own strategic environment where research is conducted.
“We are still in a transformational and transitional phase, and resource allocation remains a challenge. The concept exists and the need is defined, but implementation is determined by available resources.”
The Commander of NACWC, described the visit by the South African delegation as a “significant moment” for the command.
Osemwegie said that Nigeria and South Africa share a longstanding relationship and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas of military engagement and strategic collaboration.
“Today is a memorable day that will remain in the annals of the history of this Command, as we have the privilege of receiving the Chief of an Army,” he said.
