Nigeria has reinforced its leadership in Africa's collective security architecture, declaring stronger military cooperation and coordinated continental responses essential to confronting terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and other emerging security threats across the continent.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Monday, 29 June 2026
Time: 15:28 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
The position emerged at the opening of the African Union Military Staff Committee (MSC) Induction and Orientation Programme in Abuja, where the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria's commitment to advancing peace, security and stability across Africa. The development was disclosed by Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
Represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, the Chief of Defence Staff welcomed delegates from member states of the African Union Peace and Security Council and conveyed Nigeria's appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting the country to host the strategic capacity-building programme.
The Defence Chief observed that Africa's security environment has become increasingly complex, citing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and humanitarian crises as challenges requiring stronger military collaboration and coordinated continental action.
He emphasised that the Military Staff Committee, as the principal military advisory body to the African Union Peace and Security Council, remains central to providing professional military advice and strategic assessments that support conflict prevention, crisis response and peace support operations across the continent.
Earlier, the Head of the Peace and Security Council Secretariat of the African Union Commission, Ms Neama Chusi, described the Military Staff Committee as the only subsidiary organ established under the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, noting that its military perspectives are indispensable in complementing diplomatic efforts to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in Africa.
She encouraged participants to exchange ideas openly and strengthen institutional cooperation to enhance the Committee's effectiveness in addressing the continent's evolving security landscape.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Military Staff Committee, Brigadier General Abubakar Conteh, said terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security risks and cyber threats have increased the demand for objective military advice and closer collaboration among African Union member states.
He described the induction programme as an important platform for strengthening institutional knowledge, enhancing cooperation and improving the Committee's capacity to provide timely military advice to the Peace and Security Council.
The two-day programme features presentations, discussions, practical exercises and experience-sharing sessions aimed at familiarising newly appointed and returning members with the Committee's mandate, operational procedures and working methods while fostering stronger collaboration among member states.
🏷️ Tags: African Union, Military Staff Committee, Peace and Security Council, Defence Headquarters, General Olufemi Oluyede, Continental Security, Military Cooperation, Africa, Defence, Zig Press
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