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Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has reminded his counterparts African Chiefs of Defence Staff and head of Armed Forces of the fact that today's security threats are no longer conventional warfare but evolving and requiring unity of purpose as well as modernizing forces, investing in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology, without which it would be difficult to achieve security in the region.
He spoke on Monday at the historic inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Summit with the theme; "Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa, the Role of Defence Collaboration", where he stressed the urgent need to craft a new architecture of African-led security cooperation.
"We believe that true security is not achieved in isolation. It is built through shared intelligence, joint training, and coordinated action. Nigeria stands ready to work with our brothers and sisters across the continent to develop frameworks that are proactive, resilient, and responsive to the realities of our time.
"Distinguished colleagues, the battlefield is evolving. The threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare. They are digital, asymmetric, and often invisible.
"The enemy is within. As chiefs of defence staff and heads of our armed forces, we must lead the charge in modernizing our forces, investing in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology, without which it would be difficult for us to achieve our security. The challenges before us are great, but so too is our resolve.
"Let us rise above division and embrace unity. Let us build a continent where our people can live free from fear, and where our armed forces are symbols of stability, professionalism, and pride. Let us use this summit to explore how we can build a defence industrial base that is Africa in origin, Africa in design, and Africa in purpose," he stated.
While noting that from the scourge of violent extremism and terrorism to the menace of transnational organized crime, piracy, and insidious impacts of climate change on conflict, these challenges recognize no borders, he assured that Nigeria is deeply committed to the ideals of regional stability and continental defence integration as shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership.
"On behalf of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the good people of this great nation, I extend our warmest welcome to our beloved country. Your presence here is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to a more peaceful and secure Africa.
"Distinguished Chiefs of Defence Staff, ladies and gentlemen, today we gather at a critical juncture in our continent's history. Africa stands on the edge of unprecedented opportunity, driven by a vibrant new population, vast resources, and a spirit of innovation. Yet, this promise is challenged by a complex and evolving spectrum of security threats.
"They are hard-headed, resilient, and demand a response that is equally dynamic, unified, and strategic," Gen Musa maintained.
The Nigerian CDS described the theme as both timely and pertinent.
"It captures the urgent need for united action in addressing the complex and evolving security challenges confronting our continent. Consequently, this gathering offers us a real opportunity to forge a unified front. It is a platform to harmonize our doctrines, strengthen interoperability, and build enduring trust among our defence institutions.
"As host nations, Nigeria is deeply committed to the ideals of regional stability and continental defence integration. Our armed forces have consistently contributed to peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism efforts, and humanitarian missions across Africa."
Already, the CDS noted that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS for short, the African Union's Peace and Security Architecture, and other regional mechanisms have provided a vital foundation, "but we must now build upon this foundation with greater resolve. We must be the architects of our own security and destiny.
"As we deliberate on strategy and policy, let us not forget the brave men and women who serve under our command."
Continuing, Gen Musa called for one-minute silence in honour of officers who paid the supreme price in defense of the African region.
"Many have paid the ultimate price in defence of our nations. Their courage and sacrifice must inspire us to build institutions that are not only strong, but just and accountable.
"At this juncture, let me extend our deepest appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his dynamic leadership and unwavering support to the armed forces of Nigeria.
"Your Excellency, you have always believed in the vision of a united Africa and you have made today's gathering a reality.
"Let me also appreciate all our partners, regional institutions, especially ECOWAS, international allies, developmental agencies and private sector collaborators whose unwavering support made this summit a reality. We will never forget the United Nations that have continued to provide the platform for peace all over the world. Your contributions, technical expertise, strategic collaboration and other forms of support have been instrumental in bringing today's summit into fruition.
"We are grateful. To my fellow brothers and colleagues, the Chiefs of Defence Staff from across the African continent, I salute your commitment, your condor and your courage. Your presence here in Abuja has sent a powerful message that Africa is ready to take ownership of the security narrative.
"Our deliberations must be frank, robust and appreciative of our great, our current strategic environment. We must therefore rise from the summit with that statement of unity and cooperation. Together, let us stand in defence of Africa.
"Together, let us secure our future. Thank you all and wish you a fruitful deliberation."