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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, Tuesday said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are undertaking a comprehensive review of the 2017 joint structure to ensure it reflects current security situations and emerging strategic challenges in the country.
Oluyede, who made this known at the opening of the 2025 NISECEXPO–DICON International Defence and Security Show in Abuja, said the review is aimed at strengthening coordination among the services, enhance operational effectiveness, and align the nation’s defence architecture with global best practices.
Represented by the Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General Aniedi Effiong Edet, at the expo organised by Nigeria Security and Conference in collaboration with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the CDS noted that evolving threats, rapid technological advancements, and the demand for a more agile force make it essential to modernise the existing framework. The ultimate goal, he said, is to bolster national security and overall readiness.
The CDS, in his presentation titled “Strengthening Military Operations Through Integrated Joint Command and Multi-Domain Platforms: Modern Approaches to the Nigerian Military Approach,” said that ongoing reforms will shape future acquisitions, guide force design, and enhance operational preparedness.
The CDS, who highlighted several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Permanent Joint Theatre Command to replace ad hoc joint task forces with more enduring and coordinated structures, added that the review of the 2017 joint structure is nearing completion and is designed to reflect new realities and align Nigeria’s military organisation with global standards.
He announced the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, which he said was out together in less than three months to develop joint doctrine, deliver joint training, and advance joint operational concepts. Additionally, he said planning is underway for integrated command centres for future conflicts, which will enhance situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and improve coordination across multiple domains.
The CDS, while noting that global defence trends are rapidly shifting towards autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned platforms, noted that future conflicts may involve minimal human presence on the front lines, relying heavily on drones, robotics, and algorithm-driven technologies.
While stressing that “Nigeria must not be left behind,” he said that the Armed Forces are exploring ways to integrate these innovations into the country’s defence posture.
The CDS, while highlighting the growing importance of cyber warfare, noted that the National Space Research and Development Agency and the Defence Space Administration are intensifying efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s cyber resilience and space capabilities and urged local research institutions to deepen collaboration to boost innovation, doctrine development, and indigenous manufacturing capacity.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to strengthening both local and international partnerships to enhance strategic depth and overall capability.
Earlier in his address. The Chief Executive Officer of NISECEXPO, Frank Ohwofa, while noting that the 2025 exhibition showcases advanced innovations and technologies capable of significantly improving Nigeria’s response to asymmetric threats, said
the displayed technologies are more sophisticated than in previous editions and will help security agencies determine what changes and new capabilities are needed.
He said several partnerships and cooperation agreements are expected to be formed during the event, especially those supporting local content development—an area he described as critical to national security.
the displayed technologies are more sophisticated than in previous editions and will help security agencies determine what changes and new capabilities are needed.
He said several partnerships and cooperation agreements are expected to be formed during the event, especially those supporting local content development—an area he described as critical to national security.
He emphasised that the ability to produce and maintain equipment locally is essential for reducing strategic vulnerability and achieving self-reliance.
He commended local companies demonstrating their capacity to manufacture spare parts, vehicles, and other military requirements, noting that such capabilities are vital for sustained readiness.
