Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has appealed to military leaders across Africa to embrace modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber-defence tools, as a critical strategy in confronting terrorist groups that continue to destabilise the continent.
He made this call during the opening session of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference, which took place in Abuja on Monday.
General Musa explained that the nature of security challenges facing Africa has significantly changed, with many threats no longer restricted to traditional battlegrounds. He described terrorism in the 21st century as digital, asymmetric, and in many cases “invisible,” urging African Armed Forces to invest in technologies capable of meeting these complex realities.
“The battlefield is evolving, the threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare; they are digital, asymmetric and often invisible – the enemy is within,” he declared. According to him, success in combating extremist organisations such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab would depend largely on how well African nations integrate innovation into their defence architecture.
General Musa insisted that chiefs of defence staff must take the lead in reorganising and equipping their forces, pointing to cyber-defence systems, AI, and indigenous military technology as the backbone of modern warfare. He cautioned that without prioritising these areas, achieving lasting security on the continent would remain a daunting task.
Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability beyond its borders, the Defence Chief reminded participants that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been actively involved in peace-keeping and counter-terrorism operations across Africa. He stressed that sustainable security requires countries to work together through information sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses to evolving threats.
“As host nation, Nigeria is deeply committed to the ideals of regional stability and continental defence integration,” Musa said, emphasising that unity among African nations would be key in defeating the shared menace of terrorism. He added: “We believe that true security is not achieved in isolation; it is built through shared intelligence, joint training and coordinated actions. Nigeria stands ready to work with our brothers across the continent to develop frameworks that are proactive, resilient and responsive to the realities of our time.”
The CDS further challenged his colleagues to rise above national rivalries and embrace a united front against insurgent groups. He noted that terrorism knows no borders, and that division among nations only strengthens the hands of violent actors. “The challenges before us are great, but so too is our resolve. Let’s rise above division and embrace unity; let us build a continent where our people can live free and fair and where our Armed Forces are symbols of stability, professionalism and pride,” he concluded.
The conference was attended by top dignitaries, underlining its importance for Africa’s security future. Among them were the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray; Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Youssouf; former Nigerian UN envoy, Ibrahim Gambari; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari.
What you should know
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, is one of the nation’s leading voices in the fight against terrorism.
His career has been defined by frontline command roles and strategic leadership in counter-insurgency operations.
By urging African defence chiefs to adopt AI and cyber-defence technologies, he is positioning Nigeria not just as a participant, but as a leader in shaping continental security solutions.
