The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen continental security cooperation as Nigeria prepares to host the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.
The gathering, which has already secured confirmations from over 90% of 54 African countries, will bring together top military leaders to address pressing security threats and develop homegrown strategies for safeguarding peace across the continent.
The event will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to declare the summit open, while Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, will deliver the keynote address.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to not only secure its borders but also to support regional, continental, and international peace efforts.
He noted that Nigeria had consistently assisted other nations in restoring peace and stability, and described the summit as an opportunity for African defence chiefs to meet, exchange ideas, and develop homegrown solutions to security challenges.
The summit, according to him, will focus on enhancing cooperation among African defence leaders to address shared security concerns, improve intelligence sharing, conduct joint training, and coordinate responses to transnational crimes.
“It will also explore ways to strengthen the African Union’s peace and security framework alongside regional mechanisms like the ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Discussions will touch on integrating the private sector into defence resourcing and encouraging the development of indigenous solutions tailored to Africa’s needs”, he stated.
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According to the CDS, the continent faces pressing security threats ranging from terrorism, violent extremism, and insurgencies such as Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and ISIS affiliates, to banditry, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber security breaches, and conflicts linked to climate change, resource scarcity, and migration pressures.
“The summit will also examine ways to improve regional cooperation through greater interoperability between militaries, more joint exercises, and the use of defence diplomacy to resolve conflicts peacefully.
“Participants will review the role of regional blocs such as ECOWAS, SADC, and the EAC in harmonising defence strategies, while also addressing capacity building through investment in technology, logistics, and personnel training.
“Promoting Africa’s defence industry, fostering youth involvement through cadet programmes and military academies, and strengthening rapid deployment capabilities will form part of the agenda.
“Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions, as well as ECOWAS operations, will also be recognised”, he added.
The CDS expressed optimism that the summit will strengthen military collaboration across the continent, encourage more bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and result in a unified strategy to address common security challenges.
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He also stressed the importance of engaging the private sector in supporting defence operations, particularly at a time of dwindling public resources.
He reiterated that African security should remain the responsibility of Africans, adding that the continent’s defence leaders share not only common borders but also cultural and historical ties that can serve as a foundation for cooperation.
The Defence Chief thanked Tinubu for his continued support of the Armed Forces and appealed to Nigerians to remain united in backing the country’s security agencies.
He emphasised that the Armed Forces of Nigeria belong to the people, and called on citizens to maintain their support as the country works to ensure peace and stability at home and across the continent.
