By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international and regional security partnerships as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, led the country’s delegation to the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) in Luanda, Angola.
The three-day conference, which ended on July 2, brought together senior military leaders from across Africa and international partners to discuss strategies for addressing emerging security threats, enhancing regional stability and promoting economic development through improved security cooperation.
In a statement issued on Friday, Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, said the conference was hosted by the United States Africa Command in collaboration with the Angolan Armed Forces and focused on countering transnational threats, disinformation campaigns and the responsible use of innovative technologies such as drones in modern military operations.
According to the statement, ACHOD remains the premier platform for African defence leaders to examine common security challenges, strengthen military partnerships and develop collaborative frameworks that support long-term peace, stability and economic growth across the continent.
Addressing participants at the conference, General Oluyede stressed the need for Africa to develop a resilient and adaptive security architecture capable of responding effectively to both current and emerging threats.
He noted that the continent must strengthen regional intelligence-sharing mechanisms, revitalise security institutions, improve integrated border management and invest in strategic defence collaborations to confront insecurity.
The CDS also called for stronger efforts to disrupt terrorism financing networks and curb external support for violent extremist groups operating across Africa.
Oluyede highlighted the importance of international partnerships, particularly the bilateral defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a model that has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He stated that the gains from such cooperation extend beyond Nigeria and contribute positively to wider regional security efforts aimed at combating terrorism and other transnational crimes.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Nigerian defence chief held bilateral meetings with fellow Chiefs of Defence and strategic partners to deepen cooperation against security threats that transcend national boundaries.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to regional partnerships, intelligence sharing and joint military operations, describing them as critical tools in the fight against violent extremism, drug trafficking and other organised transnational crimes across Africa.
The military leadership further pledged to continue leveraging platforms such as ACHOD to promote interoperability among African armed forces and strengthen collective efforts toward peace, security and sustainable development across the continent.
