CDS Christopher Musa urges African Defence Chiefs to deploy AI against terrorism

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on African military leaders to adopt advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to combat terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja on Monday, Musa stressed that security challenges across the continent have shifted, requiring digital solutions to tackle modern threats.

“The battlefield is evolving, the threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare; they are digital, asymmetric and often invisible – the enemy is within,” he said. He urged African defence chiefs to prioritise cyber-defence, AI, and homegrown military technology as part of their national security strategies.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability, Musa reminded participants that the country has consistently taken part in peacekeeping operations and counter-terrorism missions across Africa. “True security is not achieved in isolation; it is built through shared intelligence, joint training and coordinated actions,” he added.

The CDS also appealed for unity among African nations in tackling terrorism, saying the continent’s armed forces must become symbols of professionalism and stability. “The challenges before us are great, but so too is our resolve. Let’s rise above division and embrace unity; let us build a continent where our people can live free and fair,” he declared.