The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has called for the development of a resilient and adaptive African security architecture capable of tackling both existing and emerging threats across the continent.
Oluyede made the call while leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD), held in Luanda, Angola, from June 30 to July 2.
The conference, hosted by United States Africa Command in partnership with the Angolan Armed Forces, brought together senior military leaders from across Africa and international partners to discuss pressing security challenges and the role of innovation and economic development in fostering continental stability.
Speaking during a high-level session, Oluyede stressed the urgency of strengthening Africa’s collective security framework to address evolving threats.
“Africa must build a resilient and adaptive security architecture capable of responding to current and emerging threats to secure Africa’s future,” he said.
The defence chief highlighted several priorities for improving security across the continent, including strengthening regional intelligence-sharing mechanisms, revitalising national security systems, enhancing integrated border management and expanding defence cooperation among African nations and international partners.
He also identified the disruption of terrorism financing networks and external support structures for extremist groups as critical components of efforts to tackle insecurity across Africa.
The annual ACHOD conference serves as the continent’s foremost platform for defence chiefs and military leaders to examine shared security concerns, promote regional stability and develop collaborative strategies that support long-term peace, economic growth and development.
This year’s discussions focused on countering transnational threats, combating disinformation and ensuring the responsible deployment of emerging technologies, including drones, in military operations.
Oluyede commended the longstanding defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, noting that bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism operations has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to him, the gains recorded through the partnership have not only strengthened Nigeria’s internal security operations but have also contributed to broader regional security efforts in West Africa.
On the sidelines of the conference, the CDS held a series of bilateral meetings with fellow African defence chiefs and international security partners aimed at deepening military cooperation against threats that transcend national boundaries.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional partnerships, intelligence sharing and joint military operations as essential tools for combating terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The military leadership further stated that Nigeria would continue to leverage platforms such as ACHOD to strengthen international collaboration, improve interoperability among armed forces and advance peace and security across West Africa and the wider African continent.
The 2026 conference ended with renewed commitments by participating nations to deepen cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges and promoting sustainable peace and development across Africa.
