Nigeria Hosts 53 African Defence Chiefs in Abuja to Tackle Terrorism with Indigenous Solutions

Nigeria to Host 53 African Defence Chiefs in Abuja: Seeking African Solutions to Africa’s Security Challenges

In a historic and strategic move aimed at tackling the growing threats of terrorism and insecurity across the African continent, Nigeria is set to host the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) Summit in Abuja from August 25 to 27, 2025. The summit will bring together Chiefs of Defence Staff from 53 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic, nations currently dealing with complex political and security crises.
This landmark summit, organized by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, is designed to foster Africa-led, homegrown solutions to the persistent security challenges confronting the continent. The initiative reflects a broader recognition that the time has come for African nations to unite, collaborate, and address regional threats collectively.

Africa has in recent years witnessed a troubling rise in terrorism, insurgencies, and transnational organized crimes. From Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria to militant activities in Sahel nations and armed conflicts in the Horn of Africa, security threats have grown increasingly complex and interlinked. These challenges often spill across borders, rendering isolated national responses insufficient.
In light of these realities, the need for pan-African cooperation on defense and security matters has never been more urgent. The upcoming summit aims to provide a unified platform for African defense leaders to chart a new course, one anchored on shared responsibilities, strategic defense partnerships, and the inclusion of private sector stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.

At a media briefing held in Abuja, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Precious Amadi, the Chairman of the summit’s Planning Committee, confirmed that all 53 invited countries have indicated interest in attending the summit. Notably, countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, whose governments currently have strained relations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have expressed willingness to participate fully in the summit.
Amadi emphasized that while political disagreements may exist at the diplomatic level, military cooperation remains strong.

“We don’t get involved in political issues, but I can tell you with all confidence that under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Niger Republic is still participating,” Amadi stated.

“Mali, the Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso understand that a threat to one is a threat to all. On the military side, we continue to work together. Their Chiefs of Defence Staff are not just sending representatives; they are attending in person,” he added.

This development is a strong signal that, despite political shifts, African nations still acknowledge the shared responsibility of maintaining peace and stability across the continent.
The summit is themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations.” It focuses on how African countries can work together to address evolving threats, share intelligence, pool resources, and develop localized defense strategies.
AVM Amadi explained that the summit would tackle four major thematic areas:

• Initiating discussions on collective strategies for addressing African security issues.
• Facilitating collaborative responses to ongoing peace and security challenges across the continent.
• Developing mechanisms to integrate the private sector into Africa’s defense architecture.
• Establishing a roundtable for generating homegrown and sustainable defense solutions.

According to him, the need for African solutions to African problems has become not just a slogan but a practical necessity.

“In view of our continent’s unique challenges and the limitations of relying on foreign interventions, we must start prioritizing our own ideas, innovations, and capacities. That is why President Bola Tinubu gave his full approval for Nigeria to host this summit,” Amadi noted.

As part of the summit, there will also be a defense exhibition showcasing Africa’s indigenous defense technologies, local innovations, and strategic military capabilities. The exhibition aims to highlight what African countries have achieved so far in terms of military hardware, tactical training, and innovation in defense technology.
The summit will also feature participation from:

• Foreign strategic partners
• Retired and serving military officers
• Heads of the African Union and ECOWAS Commissions
• Security experts
• Government officials from across Africa

This inclusive approach ensures that the conversations go beyond uniformed officers and embrace a cross-sectoral dialogue that can generate realistic, long-lasting results.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director of the African Business Roundtable and a consultant to the summit, stressed the importance of private sector participation in resolving Africa’s security issues.
Ajayi pointed out that the days of viewing national security as the sole responsibility of the armed forces are long gone.

“Today, security goes beyond military operations. It includes cyber threats, economic sabotage, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and other non-kinetic issues,” he explained.

“That’s why we must adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in designing our security architecture. The private sector can provide innovation, funding, and expertise to complement military efforts.”

This paradigm shift aligns with the growing global recognition that effective security systems are often multi-dimensional, involving not just soldiers and weapons but also economists, technologists, community leaders, and private investors.
Nigeria’s decision to host the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is more than just a diplomatic event. It is a strategic step toward building a more secure, cooperative, and resilient Africa, one where African countries speak with one voice, act in unity, and take ownership of their security destiny.
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As regional threats grow more complex, the importance of African countries working together, learning from each other, and investing in shared defense solutions cannot be overstated. This summit is a major opportunity for African defense chiefs to not only talk but act, laying the groundwork for practical collaborations, joint operations, and sustainable peace frameworks.
The Abuja summit may well mark a turning point in African security diplomacy, where African leaders finally stop waiting for external saviors and instead start building the tools they need to secure their own future.

What do you think about Africa’s approach to solving its own security issues? Should more focus be placed on local innovation or international support? Share your thoughts in the comments

By PrimeLineInfo