Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on African military leaders to embrace modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in the fight against terrorism and insurgency ravaging the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja, Musa stressed that traditional methods of warfare are no longer sufficient to counter extremist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab.
“The battlefield is evolving. Today’s threats are digital, asymmetric, and often invisible — the enemy is within,” Musa warned. “As chiefs of defence staff, we must invest in cyber-defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology if we are to secure our nations.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability, noting that the country has consistently played a role in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations across Africa.
“True security is not achieved in isolation; it is built through shared intelligence, joint training, and coordinated action,” the CDS added, urging continental unity against terrorism.
Musa further charged African defence chiefs to rise above political and regional divisions, stressing the need to build a future where African citizens live free from the fear of insurgents.
The conference was attended by top dignitaries including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu; Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray; AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf; former UN envoy Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji; and NNPCL Managing Director Bashir Ojulari.
