General Musa Rallies African Defence Chiefs to Build Homegrown Security Solutions
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged African nations to take ownership of their collective security architecture, stressing that the continent must stop relying on external powers to tackle its challenges.
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, General Musa warned that emerging threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, piracy, organised crime, and climate-driven conflicts require coordinated, homegrown responses rather than external dependence.
“The era of outsourcing Africa’s security is over. We must be the architects of our own peace and the guardians of our sovereignty,” the CDS said.
The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration”, brought together top military leaders to explore pathways for greater regional cooperation.
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General Musa emphasised the need for robust intelligence-sharing frameworks, joint military training, and investment in indigenous defence industries, noting that Africa’s heavy reliance on foreign technology often leaves its forces vulnerable.
He also highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber defence systems, urging African states to innovate locally and protect homegrown capabilities from external control.
“True security comes not only from strength of arms but also from the unity of purpose. Our enemies may be many, but their strength thrives in our division. Together, we are unbreakable,” Musa declared.
The Nigerian leader also paid tribute to African soldiers who have died in the line of duty, calling for greater solidarity among nations in supporting the families of the fallen.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability, pledging continued support for multinational defence initiatives aimed at stabilising conflict zones across the continent.
By PRNigeria
