Africa must build joint counterterrorism capacity to defeat emerging threats – CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Monday called on African militaries to urgently develop joint cyber defence, counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing capacities to confront the continent’s fast-evolving security threats.

Musa made the call at the opening of the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit (ACDSS) in Abuja.

He warned that terrorism, transnational organised crime, piracy and climate-induced conflicts were becoming more sophisticated, while cyber warfare and artificial intelligence were reshaping the battlefield.

“The threats confronting us are borderless, asymmetric and digital. Africa must rise with equally dynamic responses built on unity, shared intelligence and joint operations,” he said.

Musa stressed that no country could stand alone in the face of such challenges, adding that defence collaboration must move beyond dialogue to concrete operational frameworks and an indigenous African defence-industrial base.

He noted that Nigeria had consistently contributed troops to peacekeeping, counterterrorism and humanitarian missions, and reaffirmed its readiness to work with partners across the continent to strengthen interoperability and resilience.

“The sacrifices of our fallen heroes must inspire us to build Armed Forces that are not only strong but also accountable and people-centred,” he added.

The Minsiter of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, represented by the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, commended the CDS for his exceptional leadership in organising the inaugural African CDS summit in Abuja.

Badaru described the summit as a new benchmark in defence diplomacy, adding that it demonstrated Africa’s collective resolve to strengthen regional cooperation and continental security.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his outstanding leadership and continuous support to Nigeria’s military.

“The success of this summit is a testament to professionalism, dedication, and unity among Africa’s defence institutions,” he said.

The minister urged participants to sustain the momentum towards building a continent of peace, pride and progress.