Tinubu calls for unified African defence strategy to tackle emerging insecurity
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has called on African nations to unite and develop a joint security framework to tackle terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, and transnational crime across the continent.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu urged the creation of a permanent forum of African defence chiefs to ensure continuous dialogue, strategic planning, and coordinated military action.
“From the deserts where insurgency festers, to the high seas where piracy prowls, from the silent corridors of cybercrime to the ruthless networks of transnational criminals — none of these tragedies respects borders,” Tinubu said. “Neither should our response.”
He stressed the importance of a continental defence doctrine built on trust, shared intelligence, and operational synergy, describing Africa as a single family bound by shared geography and destiny. “In this family, defence is the first expression of love each member can promise the other,” he added.
The president called for investment in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology, warning that Africa must transition from being a consumer of foreign innovations to a creator and owner of tools that secure its future. He also urged greater private sector involvement in defence innovation and capacity building.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tinubu said their sacrifice should be honoured by building enduring institutions, values, and partnerships that guarantee peace and stability across Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, represented by Minister of State Bello Matawalle, described the summit as a bold step toward African-driven solutions to regional security challenges.
The summit, which convened defence chiefs from across the continent, is expected to lay the foundation for a coordinated and sustainable approach to Africa’s security architecture.
