.CDS Oluyede advocates resilient African security architecture
.COAS inaugurates projects in Port Harcourt, reaffirms soldier-first culture
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has called for a more coordinated and integrated approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
This was as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for a more resilient and adaptive African security architecture capable of addressing both current and emerging threats, as he led Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) held in Luanda, Angola.
Also, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated several infrastructural projects at the Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary celebration.
The defence minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry operators and host communities.
Musa made the call during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister identified vandalism, crude oil theft, sabotage and ageing infrastructure as persistent threats to the nation’s critical oil assets.
He warns that emerging security challenges, including the use of explosives in pipeline attacks, require a more proactive and coordinated response.
He noted that “effective protection of strategic national assets will depend on sustained collaboration, enhanced intelligence sharing and the deployment of modern surveillance technologies to tackle evolving security threats.”
Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to protecting the country’s oil and gas infrastructure, describing it as critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, investor confidence and national development.
Participants at the meeting attributed recent improvements in crude oil production to increased cooperation among security agencies, industry operators and host communities.
Senior military officials also reiterated their commitment to sustaining joint operations under Operation Delta Safe to ensure comprehensive protection of oil and gas facilities across the Niger Delta.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved to strengthen a proactive, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled security framework while sustaining engagement with host communities to foster trust and promote long-term stability in the region.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the conference attended by General Oluyede was hosted by the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) in conjunction with the Angolan Armed Forces.
During the three-day event, senior military leaders from across Africa and international partners deliberated on key security issues, including the role of innovation and economic development in promoting stability across the continent.
The conference, regarded as the premier forum for senior military officials, focused on addressing shared security threats, strengthening regional stability and advancing collaborative frameworks that support long-term investment and economic growth in Africa.
Discussions centred on countering transnational threats, tackling disinformation and promoting the responsible use of innovative technologies, including drones, in modern military operations.
Delivering Nigeria’s intervention, Oluyede stressed the need for Africa to “build a resilient and adaptive security architecture capable of responding to current and emerging threats to secure Africa’s future.”
He also underscored the importance of strengthening regional intelligence, revitalising security systems, enhancing integrated border management and investing in strategic defence partnerships, while actively disrupting terrorism financing and international support networks as part of efforts to address the continent’s security challenges.
Oluyede further commended the bilateral defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, noting that it has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and would, in turn, positively impact regional security efforts.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Chief of Defence Staff held bilateral engagements with fellow Chiefs of Defence and key international partners aimed at strengthening cooperation against threats that “do not respect borders”.
The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional partnerships, intelligence sharing and joint operations as critical pillars for combating violent extremism, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
It added that Nigeria would continue to leverage platforms such as ACHOD to deepen international collaboration, enhance interoperability and promote peace and security across West Africa and the African continent.
In another development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shaibu, while speaking with journalists after inaugurating infrastructural projects in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the projects were aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving the welfare of personnel, and reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s soldier-first culture.
He noted that the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration would hold on Monday, July 6, adding that the inauguration of key facilities formed part of the activities lined up to commemorate the anniversary.
According to him, the projects inaugurated include the Command and Administrative Centre, a detention facility, 12 units of senior and junior officers’ accommodation, the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) 656 Signal accommodation, the RSM Brigade accommodation, and the Soldiers’ Club.
Shaibu explained that the projects would add value to the formation hosting the anniversary celebration while also improving the living and working conditions of officers, soldiers, and their families.
“These projects are meant to add value to the formation hosting the celebration and, more importantly, to positively impact our soldiers and their families. The accommodation provided is specifically for our personnel and their families,” he said.
The COAS also commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division and Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, for his leadership and commitment to infrastructure development within the division.
He said the successful execution of the projects reflected the quality of leadership in the division and demonstrated the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel.
Shaibu stressed that the Nigerian Army remained focused on showing its personnel that their sacrifices were appreciated, while sustaining policies and initiatives that prioritise their welfare and operational effectiveness.
He added that the projects further underscored the Army’s resolve to strengthen its soldier-first culture and boost the morale of troops in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.