As the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit closed in Abuja, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has stressed the need for effective border management and regional security cooperation on the continent.
The CDS pointed out that porous borders fuel terrorism, trafficking, and armed banditry, highlighting the need for integrated security frameworks to address the challenges.
In his closing remarks, Musa said that it was evident that sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating counter-radicalisation efforts were essential.
“Counter-radicalisation efforts remain non-negotiable, as terrorism anywhere on our continent is a threat to peace everywhere in Africa. Furthermore, our exploration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies highlighted the crucial role of innovation in bolstering early warning systems, improving institutional awareness, and disrupting hostile networks.
“In addition, our deliberations on financing African Defence and leveraging public-private partnerships revealed the centrality of sustainable resourcing for defence,” he said.
The CDS said Africa must increasingly look inward, developing indigenous industries, fostering innovation, and strengthening defence economies to reduce dependency and build resilience.
He said the summit reinforced the truth that Africa’s collective security lies not in the strength of one nation alone, but in the synergy of all efforts, adding that Africa’s strongest defence is strategic collaboration.
“This summit has been a declaration of Africa’s determination to take ownership of its peace, stability, and future. We explored key areas, including defence collaboration, intelligence sharing, joint training, investing in indigenous technologies, and youth engagement.”
On maritime security, he said, although there are immense economic benefits in Africa’s waters, it also has its vulnerabilities, as the Gulf of Guinea, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Coast require not just naval capacity, but also strong regional partnerships to secure vital maritime trade routes.
He expressed happiness that during the closed-door session, the African Defence Chiefs made commitments and agreements, and resolved to “work collaboratively as brothers and sisters”.
Musa urged them to effectively translate the summit’s recommendations into policies, strategies, and joint actions, and to highlight these recommendations to their political leaders.
“As we draw to a close, I implore us to depart with a renewed conviction that Africa’s peace, security, and prosperity are not merely distant aspirations but attainable realities provided we unite, work together, and translate correlations into action.
“Lastly, I urge us all to remember, our borders may divide us, but our destiny binds us. A secure Africa is a prosperous Africa, and a prosperous Africa is a beacon to the world.”
