Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a clarion call to African military leaders to embrace modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to counter the evolving threat of terrorism across the continent. Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja, General Musa underscored the urgent need for digital solutions to combat what he described as “invisible” enemies, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab.
“The battlefield is evolving,” General Musa declared. “The threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare; they are digital, asymmetric, and often invisible—the enemy is within.” His remarks reflect a growing recognition that traditional military strategies alone are insufficient to address the sophisticated and decentralised nature of modern insurgencies. By investing in cyber-defence, AI, and indigenous military technology, African nations can enhance their ability to detect, deter, and neutralise these threats.
General Musa’s call to action is not merely a plea for technological advancement but a strategic imperative. As terrorist groups increasingly exploit digital platforms for recruitment, coordination, and propaganda, African militaries must adapt or risk falling behind. AI-driven surveillance, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems could provide critical advantages in identifying and disrupting insurgent networks before they strike.
Beyond technology, General Musa emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration. “True security is not achieved in isolation; it is built through shared intelligence, joint training, and coordinated actions,” he said. Nigeria, as the host nation, has demonstrated its commitment to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions across Africa. General Musa urged his counterparts to follow this example, fostering a continent-wide defence framework that is proactive, resilient, and responsive to contemporary threats.
The conference, attended by high-profile figures including the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Youssouf, underscores the gravity of the challenge. As African nations grapple with insurgencies, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions, the need for a unified and technologically advanced defence strategy has never been more pressing.
General Musa’s vision extends beyond military capabilities to the broader goal of continental stability. “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 said. His words resonate with a growing sentiment across Africa: that the fight against terrorism is not just a military endeavour but a collective responsibility that demands innovation, cooperation, and unwavering resolve.
As African defence leaders convene in Abuja, the stakes are high. The decisions made here could shape the continent’s security landscape for decades to come. By embracing AI and digital warfare, African nations can turn the tide against insurgent groups and forge a future defined by peace, prosperity, and sovereignty.