By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has called for enhanced border collaboration and the development of indigenous defence capabilities as critical components of Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.
This position was articulated during the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC), where the CDS outlined a strategic shift toward self reliance and strengthened regional cooperation in tackling the country’s multifaceted security challenges.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, General Oluyede emphasized the Armed Forces’ renewed focus on boosting local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other indigenous manufacturers.
He noted that advancing homegrown military technology would not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce dependence on foreign systems.
The CDS further stressed the importance of securing Nigeria’s borders, describing it as a vital element of internal security. He underscored the need for sustained cooperation and cordial relations with neighbouring countries to curb transnational threats.
Addressing contributions from stakeholders at the lecture, General Oluyede reiterated the significance of joint military operations, noting that isolated efforts by individual services often fall short of achieving desired outcomes.
He highlighted instances demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-service collaboration, urging the Army, Navy, and Air Force to leverage their unique strengths in a coordinated manner.
He also disclosed that recommendations from the lecture would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure broader stakeholder support for their implementation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, who served as Special Guest of Honour, reinforced the call for synergy. He described Nigeria’s security framework as requiring a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach,” where all sectors collaborate toward national stability.
The Minister noted that the JDWC, established in July 2025, serves as a strategic hub for fostering joint military doctrine and operational integration. According to him, true combat effectiveness can only be achieved when land, maritime, and air forces operate as a unified entity, supported by an alert and cooperative citizenry.
Earlier, the Director General of the Centre, Major General A.E. Edet, highlighted the progress made within six months of the JDWC’s establishment. He said the Centre had developed key operational frameworks and roadmaps aimed at achieving full functionality in record time.
Edet assured that the JDWC would remain committed to advancing military innovation and strengthening national defence through research, doctrine development, and strategic collaboration.
The inaugural lecture marks a significant step toward institutionalising joint military operations in Nigeria, while promoting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing insecurity.
The event attracted a wide array of participants, including Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff led by Alani Akinrinade, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other key stakeholders.
