By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on African militaries to urgently develop joint cyber defence, counterterrorism, and intelligence-sharing capacities to address the continent’s fast-evolving security threats.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, Musa warned that terrorism, transnational organised crime, piracy, and climate-induced conflicts were becoming increasingly sophisticated, while cyber warfare and artificial intelligence were reshaping the battlefield.
“The threats confronting us are borderless, asymmetric and digital. Africa must rise with equally dynamic responses built on unity, shared intelligence and joint operations,” he said.
Musa stressed that no country could tackle such challenges alone, urging militaries to move beyond dialogue toward concrete frameworks and an indigenous African defence-industrial base. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with partners across the continent, citing the country’s track record in peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations.
Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, represented by Minister of State Bello Matawalle, hailed the summit as a “new benchmark in defence diplomacy,” praising President Bola Tinubu’s support for strengthening Nigeria’s military leadership.
“The success of this summit is a testament to professionalism, dedication, and unity among Africa’s defence institutions,” Badaru said, urging participants to sustain momentum towards building “a continent of peace, pride, and progress.”
