Chief of Defence Staff emphasizes strengthening of border protection and domestic military manufacturing as key objectives

Nigeria's future defence strategy will be built around two main pillars: border security and indigenous technological advancement, according to the Defence Headquarters.

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This vision was outlined by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, in a statement released by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Tuesday.

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General Oluyede emphasized that the military is entering a new era of strategic military evolution, one that requires self-reliance and regional collaboration to effectively address security challenges.

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The Armed Forces will prioritize strengthening local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and other local manufacturers, while also maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries, General Oluyede explained.

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He also stressed the importance of synergy among the services, noting that single service efforts will not always yield the desired operational outcomes, and instead advocated for joint operations that leverage the strengths of each arm of the military.

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The outcome of the inaugural lecture will be presented to the Federal Executive Council and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure broader stakeholder support for the implementation of its recommendations, General Oluyede added.

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Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, described Nigeria's security strategy as a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration.

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The Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, established in July 2025, serves as the intellectual engine room where different military branches can learn to leverage one another's strengths, according to General Musa.

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True operational superiority can only be achieved when ground, naval, and air forces act as a single, overwhelming entity supported by the vigilance of the Nigerian citizenry, General Musa emphasized.

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The Director General of the JDWC, Maj. Gen. A.E. Edet, reported that the centre has made significant progress within six months of its establishment and pledged to remain relentlessly focused on advancing technology and innovation for national security.

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The inaugural lecture marked a milestone in strengthening joint military operations and coordination, with attendance by service chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff led by Gen. Alani Akinrinade, and other senior officials.