CDS Seeks Collaboration With 54 Other African Countries To End Insecurity, As He’s About To Host Defence Chiefs Summit
By Anthonia N Okwuolise, Abuja
Chief Of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa held a press conference to brief the journalist on the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit coming up on 13 August 2025 in Abuja.
According to him “Today we’re here to present the highlights on the incoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit for 2025. The emphasis is to show Nigeria’s readiness to continue to secure its territory, its region, the African continent and provide support to the international community.
“Nigeria has over the time continued to support other countries in restoring peace and security within their environment. In view of the threats that we’re facing as a nation, as a continent, we feel it’s important that we come together, inviting all the Chiefs of Defence Staff to sit down, look at our challenges, proffer solutions to them as Africans and as brothers and sisters, because they say charity begins at home. Nigeria has continued to show the pathway and we want to sustain that.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate the President for all the support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We want to assure the President and the entire Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are working together as one team to secure Nigeria. I want to appreciate the support of all Nigerians.
“We cannot do it alone. We need the support of everyone. And to defeat asymmetric warfare, to succeed, requires all of society and all of governmental support.
“Now, what is the objective and the strategic importance? One is to foster collaboration among African Defence Chiefs to address shared security challenges, promote intelligence-sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses to trans-national threats, strengthen the African Union peace and security architecture and regional mechanisms like ECOWAS Standby Force, developing mechanisms for integrating the private sector into Africa’s defence efforts, and establishing a roundtable for the initiation of homegrown solutions to African defence needs. It is important that as Africans we discuss our problems and proffer solutions towards that.
“Now, what are the main highlights? The Defence Chiefs are all coming, have all been invited, 54 African countries, and so far we have received more than 90 percent attendance.
“The event will take place from 25th to 27th August 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and Transcorp, Abuja. The theme, as mentioned earlier, is Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa, the Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration, because contemporary challenges need the collaboration of everyone. The summit will be conducted in four days with an opening ceremony on the fifth plenary session and a gala night to conclude the event.
“The summit will be declared open by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, while the keynote address will be delivered by our own United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Her Excellency Aminah Mohammed. The summit is also expected to showcase Africa’s defence capabilities through a defence exhibition which will hold concurrently with the summit. So far, we have received support from the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS and other regional institutions, including Friends of Africa.
“Now, what are the key security challenges across Africa? We have terrorism and violent extremism, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, ISIS affiliates, and other insurgent groups. Banditry and kidnappings, especially in the Sahel and West African regions, piracy and maritime security, and Gulf of Guinea concerns and blue economy protection, cyber security threats, growing digital vulnerabilities in defence systems, and climate security nexus, resource conflicts, migration, and environmental stressors. I’m sure we always remember the Lake Chad region.
Now, regional cooperation and defence diplomacy. The importance of interoperability and joint exercises among African militaries, which is very important, enhancing defence diplomacy to build trust and resolve conflicts peacefully. Like we have always said, the kinetic and the non-kinetic must work hand-in-hand.
“We want to consider the role of the regional blocs, ECOWAS, SADC, ESE, in harmonising defence strategies. We feel that there are gaps that need to be closed, and working together as one team for all the chief of defence staff, we will be able to identify these gaps and be able to address them. Next is the issue of capacity building and modernisation.
“The need for investment in technology, logistics, and personnel training. It’s important that we see that as Africans, we’re able to produce what we need. Promoting indigenous defence industries and innovation, encouraging youth participation in national defence through cadet programs and military academies.
“Extension of peacekeeping and conflict resolution through Nigeria’s contribution to United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions, including that of ECOWAS. Strengthening rapid deployment capabilities for crisis response. Supporting post-conflict reconstruction and stabilisation efforts.
“Now, what are the expected outcomes? One is the strengthening of military collaboration among African nations, to encourage bilateral and multilateral partnerships, enabling the sharing of intelligence, resources, and best practices. Establishing a framework for joint training exercises, while intelligence sharing agreements and operational coordination will enhance the collective security posture of the continent. Our goal is to secure our continent.
“Development of a unified strategy to address common security challenges in the continent. Private sector participation in defence resourcing amidst dwindling resources. Now, it’s important that we make sure that we mention this, that our countries, the countries of the IAS are equally taking part in this, to show you the unity and the importance that we are here, that we must collaborate, we must cooperate, we must work together as a team.
“Now, a call to unity and shared responsibility. African security is key to our success and development, and we must not hand it over to anybody. Africans must step up to take charge of their responsibilities.
“We have to encourage solidarity and mutual respect among defence leaders, knowing ourselves, working together and interacting. We share common culture, religion, and boundaries together.
“In closing, I want to appreciate everyone here and all Nigerians, especially our president, through his renewed agenda for Nigeria, that the armed forces of Nigeria remain resolute in providing security in our dear country.
“We want to appreciate every Nigerian and to appeal that we must not weaver, we must not get tired, we must continue to support our country, we must continue to support our government in ensuring that there is peace and tranquility. The public must continue to engage with us and to take ownership of the armed forces. The armed forces of Nigeria are for Nigerians.
“We cannot succeed without the support of Nigerians, and that’s why it’s critical and it’s important. We want Nigerians to support Nigeria in our leadership. We have to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to a safer and stronger Africa.
“We will do whatever it takes to ensure that our dear country is safe and secure, our region is safe in and secure, and our continent is. I want to also appreciate the members of the press for your support, for your professionalism, that we are partners in progress and will continue to work together in ensuring that Nigeria continues to grow and continues to develop as a nation. We know the importance of Nigeria in Africa, with a population of over 200 to million and landmass of over 923,000 square kilometers.
“We have so much to offer to the world. Nigerians all over the world are doing wonderful things and we must not diminish our capacities in and our capabilities. This is one summit that will project Nigeria back to where it used to be.
“I want to appreciate every one of us. Now working together, Nigeria will be better for all of us. Thank you and God bless you all”.
