Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has called on African heads of state and military leaders to invest more in cyber defence, artificial intelligence and indigenous military technology to counter threats.
He spoke at the African Chiefs of Defence Staff summit 2025 with the theme “Combating Contemporary Threats To Regional Peace And Security In Africa: The Role Of Strategic Defence Collaboration”, held in Abuja.
General Musa said the battlefield is evolving, and “the threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare.
They are digital, asymmetric, and often invisible. As chiefs of defence staff and heads of our Armed Forces, we must lead the charge in modernising our forces, investing in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology.”
“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 African in origin, African in design, and African in purpose,” he stated.
He assured that 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. 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.”
He noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 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. 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.”
Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional ties to enhance peace across the country.
Badaru, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said no country alone could protect the continent from threats.
He charged all African nations to invest in cybersecurity and strive to build a defence that is agile and accountable.