President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the creation of a permanent forum for African Chiefs of Defence Staff.

The President made the proposal on Monday, August 25, 2025, while declaring open the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

The gathering, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,” brought together top military leaders from across the continent.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa could no longer afford fragmented or ad-hoc approaches to insecurity, which he listed as terrorism, banditry, maritime piracy, cybercrime and political instability.

“We must establish a permanent forum for our Defence Chiefs to regularly exchange intelligence, harmonize strategies, and evaluate emerging threats.

“Such a platform will ensure continuity of dialogue, deepen trust among our militaries, and guarantee that Africa speaks with one voice in security matters.” He said.

He emphasized that sustainable peace is a prerequisite for development, warning that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without security.

Tinubu also urged African countries to develop indigenous defence industries and protect homegrown technologies from foreign control, cautioning against over-reliance on external powers.

“Defence is the first expression of love for one’s people. If we fail to secure our nations, we compromise the future of our citizens,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and host of the summit, General Christopher Musa, echoed the President’s call for continental unity.

He said Africa faces more than 1,000 terror-affiliated groups operating across porous borders, exploiting weak governance, and fueling instability.

“No single country can confront these challenges in isolation. Our enemies are networked, adaptive, and transnational. Therefore, our response must be equally coordinated, innovative, and continental,” General Musa said.

The CDS stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated operations to disrupt terrorist financing, arms trafficking, and cross-border crime.

He also highlighted the need for non-military solutions, such as community engagement and development programmes, to address the root causes of insecurity.

“While we strengthen our militaries, we must also win hearts and minds. Security is not just about weapons, it is about trust, justice, and the confidence of our people in their governments,” he said.