Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said Africa needs to build a resilient and adaptive security architecture capable of responding to current and emerging threats to secure the continent’s future.

Speaking at the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) held in Luanda, Angola, from June 30 to July 2, 2026, Oluyede also identified the need to strengthen regional intelligence, revitalise security systems, enhance integrated border management and investment in valued defence collaborations while actively targeting terrorism financing and international support as answer to security issues afflicting Africa.

The Conference was hosted by the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) in conjunction with the Angolan Armed Forces. The CDS led Nigeria’s delegation to the conference.

Senior military leaders from across Africa and international partners convened to deliberate on key global security issues including role of innovation and economic development in promoting continental stability.

ACHOD serves as the premier forum for senior military officials to address shared security threats, enhance regional stability and discuss collaborative frameworks that enable long-term investments and economic growth across the continent.

The 2026 discussions focused on countering transnational threats, countering disinformation and promoting the responsible use of innovative technologies such as drones in modern operations.

Oluyede praised the model set by the bilateral defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, saying that it has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria which will in turn significantly impact positively on regional security efforts.

On the sidelines of the conference, the CDS held bilateral engagements with fellow Chiefs of Defence and key partners to strengthen cooperation against threats that “do not respect borders”.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional partnerships, intelligence sharing and joint operations as critical pillars for defeating violent extremism, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

He said Nigeria will continue to leverage platforms like ACHOD to enhance international collaboration, interoperability as well as promote peace and security in West Africa and across the continent.