General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has emphasized that enhancing local arms production is vital for the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and across West Africa.
He stated that indigenous manufacturing will mitigate reliance on international suppliers, provide timely access to military resources, and increase operational efficiency—critical elements for achieving long-term security in the region.
Oluyede made these comments at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) in Abuja, where he introduced a new military strategy focused on self-sufficiency, better border security, and technological advancements from within the country.
He pointed out that these components are crucial to Nigeria’s future defense strategy, in addition to fostering collaborative efforts within the region to address emerging security challenges.
The CDS also noted that the Armed Forces are prioritizing local defense production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) along with other domestic manufacturers.
He stressed the importance of effective border management as integral to internal security and called for ongoing collaboration with neighboring nations.
In response to discussions from stakeholders present at the lecture, Oluyede highlighted the need for synergy among the Armed Forces. He remarked that operations conducted by individual branches often lack the necessary impact to achieve success.
He provided practical examples to showcase the benefits of coordinated actions, advocating for strong collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force to maximize their respective unique strengths.
The CDS mentioned that recommendations from the lecture would be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to gain wider endorsement for their implementation.
Additionally, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), the Minister of Defence, echoed the need for collaborative efforts, describing Nigeria’s security strategy as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.”
He noted that the JDWC, established in July 2025, acts as a center for integrating military knowledge and enhancing unified operations.
Earlier in the event, Major General A.E. Edet, the Director General of the JDWC, detailed the advancements achieved in the past six months since the Center’s formation, affirming its dedication to innovation and full operational capability.
The ceremony saw attendance from high-ranking military officials, diplomats, and key stakeholders, marking a significant advancement towards fortifying joint military doctrine and coordinated national strategies to combat insecurity.
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