By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called for robust and cost-effective defence solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle evolving security threats.

Oluyede, represented by the Director-General, Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Maj.-Gen. Aniedi Edet, made the call at the NISECEXPO–DICON International Defence and Security Show 2025 on Monday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference (NISECEXPO) in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) with the theme “Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities.”

The CDS said the exhibition had become a major platform for promoting indigenous defence production and technology, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had intensified reforms to match the changing security landscape.

According to him, Nigeria’s adversaries have shifted from conventional armed groups to networks operating across land, maritime, air, cyber, electromagnetic and information domains, requiring a more unified and integrated response.

“The nature of threats confronting Nigeria has changed significantly. To remain ahead of these evolving threats, we are strengthening joint structures, improving coordination and advancing a decisive joint approach,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing reforms, including the establishment of a Permanent Joint Theatre Command to replace ad hoc task forces, and the review of the 2017 joint structure to align with global best practices.

He said the creation of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, less than three months old, was a major step towards developing joint doctrines, joint training and integrated operational concepts.

“Plans are underway for future integrated command centres to enhance situational awareness and multi-domain operations,” he said.

On emerging technologies, Oluyede said the world was moving rapidly toward autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and unmanned platforms, stressing that Nigeria must not lag behind.

He added that cyber and space capabilities had become critical pillars of national defence, with agencies such as the Defence Space Administration working to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience in both domains.

He added that “conflicts of the future may be fought with minimal human presence on the frontlines.

“We are paying close attention to trends in AI, drones and robotics and exploring ways to integrate them into our defence posture.”

Oluyede underscored the importance of strategic communication in shaping public perception and national cohesion, especially in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms.

He pointed to the National Intelligence Fusion Centre as one of the country’s most effective tools for real-time intelligence sharing, enhancing counter-terrorism operations and responses to transnational crimes.

The CDS reiterated that addressing insecurity required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving traditional institutions, researchers, industry stakeholders, civil society and citizens.

He urged partners and defence exhibitors to continue developing solutions that are tailored to Nigeria’s operational environment, while deepening collaboration with local research institutions to strengthen indigenous capacity.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to partnerships, local and international, that enhance our collective capability and strategic depth,” he said.

He commended the organisers and participants of the expo and encouraged them to leverage the platform to shape Nigeria’s future defence architecture.

The co-host of the event and Chief Executive Officer of NISECEXPO, Mr Frank Ohwofa, said Nigeria was showcasing advanced innovations and technologies at the 8th NISECEXPO, with a strong focus on capabilities that could enhance the country’s response to asymmetric threats.

Ohwofa said the technologies on display were significantly improved compared to previous editions and would help security agencies determine required reforms and acquisitions.

He said the exhibition was expected to produce new partnerships and cooperation agreements before closing, especially those that would support local content development in line with government priorities.

According to him, such collaborations are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s defence industry and improving operational readiness.

Ohwofa emphasised that local content remained central to national security, warning that dependence on foreign equipment exposed Nigeria to geopolitical and supply-chain risks.

He commended indigenous companies showcasing the capacity to produce vehicles, spare parts and other military equipment, saying such capabilities were crucial for self-reliance and long-term stability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured lectures and panel discussions as well as exhibition by a number of local defence producers. (NAN)