In a decisive address to military leaders, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has framed a stark reality for the nation’s armed forces: adapt through radical transformation and innovation, or risk obsolescence in the face of multifaceted security threats. Speaking at the Fourth Quarter Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Transformation and Innovation Seminar in Abuja, Gen. Oluyede, represented by AVM Idi Sani, outlined a strategic pivot essential for national survival.
Transformation: The Non-Negotiable Mandate
The CDS dismissed the notion of transformation as a discretionary upgrade, declaring it “an operational necessity, not an option.” This urgency stems from a dual challenge: the global evolution of warfare and Nigeria’s uniquely complex security environment. He described a landscape where traditional battlefield confrontations have blurred into a hybrid continuum. For instance, a single threat group may employ terrorist tactics, wield social media for information warfare, launch cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and engage in guerrilla-style insurgency—all simultaneously. This convergence demands a military that is not just strong, but agile, adaptive, and relentlessly forward-looking.
The Pillars of Modernization: Technology and Jointness
Gen. Oluyede identified two core, interdependent drivers for building this future force:
- Technological Leap: The seminar highlighted specific domains where capability gaps must be closed. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for intelligence and strike, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive logistics and data analysis, and space-based technologies for surveillance and communication were emphasized. The critical shift, however, is moving from mere procurement to indigenous innovation. The AFN’s plan to prioritize local research and development, and deepen ties with academia and tech startups, aims to foster a sustainable defence ecosystem, reducing over-reliance on foreign suppliers.
- Deepened Joint Operations: The CDS anchored his leadership philosophy on “enhanced joint operations.” In practice, this means breaking down inter-service silos between the Army, Navy, and Air Force to create a truly unified, “mission-ready force.” A practical example is a counter-insurgency operation where real-time intelligence from a Navy drone is seamlessly analysed by an Air Force AI system and used to guide an Army ground assault—all orchestrated from a joint command centre.
The Human Factor in a Digital Age
Amidst the focus on technology, a crucial warning was issued: hardware is useless without highly skilled, motivated personnel. The CDS explicitly linked personnel welfare and continuous training to sustaining morale and the “will to fight.” This acknowledges that mastering advanced systems like AI analytics or cyber defence requires significant, ongoing investment in human capital. The military must not only attract tech talent but also continuously upskill its existing ranks to operate in this new paradigm.
Confronting the Obstacles
The path forward is not without significant hurdles, which the CDS candidly acknowledged. These include:
– Limited Domestic Defence Industry: Heavy reliance on imports for critical equipment.
– Funding Constraints: Balancing immediate operational needs with long-term R&D investment.
– Asymmetric Threats: Adversaries who are agile, less bureaucratic, and adept at exploiting societal vulnerabilities.
AVM Jeff Ekwuribe, acting Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, who organized the seminar, underscored the stakes. He warned that “insurgents, terrorists and violent non-state actors are refining their tactics,” and that the military “cannot afford stagnation.” True transformation, he argued, requires a fundamental shift in institutional culture and mindset, not just new equipment.
Conclusion: A Strategic Crossroads
The seminar, themed “Optimising Nigeria’s Operational Capabilities through Transformation and Innovation,” represents more than a routine military gathering. It is a public declaration of a strategic crossroads. The optimism expressed by the CDS—that a future-ready, technologically-advanced force is achievable—is contingent on “right reforms, stronger partnerships and sustained commitment.” The success of this vision will ultimately determine the AFN’s ability to secure Nigeria’s sovereignty in an era where threats evolve at the speed of technology. The nation watches as its military embarks on this critical journey of reinvention.
Report by Sumaila Ogbaje for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu.
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