In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s defence capabilities, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are reinforcing their joint operational structures to address the nation’s evolving security threats. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the NISECEXPO–DICON International Defence and Security Show in Abuja, General Oluyede commended the Nigeria International Security Conference and Exhibition (NISEC) and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for their efforts in showcasing Nigeria’s growing indigenous capacity in defence technology and production.
General Oluyede revealed that key reforms underway include the establishment of a Permanent Joint Theatre Command, which will replace ad hoc task forces with more enduring and coordinated structures across various operational environments. He also noted that “the review of the 2017 Joint Structure is being finalised to reflect modern realities and global best practices.” This initiative underscores the military’s commitment to adapting to contemporary security challenges and enhancing operational efficiency.
Highlighting the recent creation of a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, General Oluyede explained that this new entity is tasked with driving joint doctrine development, joint training, and harmonised operational concepts. Additionally, he announced plans for integrated command centres designed to boost unified situational awareness, facilitate quicker decision-making, and improve coordination across land, air, maritime, cyber, and information domains.
“The military is planning integrated command centres to boost unified situational awareness, facilitate quicker decision-making, and improve coordination across land, air, maritime, cyber, and information domains,” General Oluyede stated.
Emphasising the importance of technological advancement, General Oluyede stressed that global conflicts are increasingly dominated by robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and unmanned platforms. He urged Nigeria to ensure it is not left behind in this technological race. He cited ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s cyber posture and space capabilities in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Defence Space Administration.
General Oluyede also underscored the collective nature of modern security challenges, noting that future defence readiness requires whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to enhancing operational endurance and force build-up capabilities in line with the theme of the 2025 expo, “Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-Up Capacities.”
Frank Ohwofa, JP, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria International Security Conference and Exhibition (NISEC), expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s growing defence capabilities. He noted that innovations showcased at this year’s exhibition will significantly boost the country’s response to modern security challenges. Ohwofa added that the event is expected to result in new partnerships and cooperation agreements that will further support indigenous defence development in line with national priorities.
“This event is expected to result in new partnerships and cooperation agreements that will further support indigenous defence development in line with national priorities,” Ohwofa said.
Ohwofa declared that Nigeria has more than enough capacity to solve its own security problems, citing the Armed Forces’ excellence in United Nations and regional missions as proof of their professionalism and leadership on the global stage. He asserted that with the continued adoption of innovative technologies, Nigeria will remain a strong contributor to international peace and security.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its defence capabilities and technological prowess, the ongoing reforms and collaborations signal a robust approach to addressing both current and future security challenges. The nation’s commitment to innovation and international cooperation positions it as a key player in the global defence landscape.