By Onilede Titi Faith
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged African militaries to unite against fast-evolving security challenges, warning that no nation can confront them alone.
Speaking at the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, Musa said terrorism, organised crime, piracy, and climate-driven conflicts were becoming more complex, while cyber warfare and artificial intelligence continued to reshape modern battlefields.
“The threats before us are borderless, asymmetric, and digital. Africa must rise with equally dynamic responses founded on unity, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations,” he said.
Musa called for practical frameworks and a homegrown defence-industrial base to replace rhetoric with action.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen continental partnerships and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifices should inspire African armies to remain strong and people-centred.
Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru, represented by Minister of State Bello Matawalle, described the summit as a milestone in African defence diplomacy.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the Armed Forces and urged participants to build on the momentum for “an Africa defined by peace, pride, and progress.”
