The Chief of Defence Employees (CDS), Basic Olufemi Oluyede, has mentioned that strengthening native arms production is essential to ending terrorism in Nigeria and throughout West Africa.
He famous that indigenous manufacturing would scale back dependence on international suppliers, guarantee well timed entry to army gear, and enhance operational effectivity wanted to revive lasting safety within the area.
Oluyede spoke on the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) in Abuja, the place he outlined a brand new section of army technique anchored on self-reliance, improved border safety, and indigenous technological development.
In line with him, these parts are important to Nigeria’s future defence posture, alongside sustained regional collaboration to deal with evolving safety threats.
The CDS disclosed that the Armed Forces are prioritising the event of native defence production by the Defence Industries Company of Nigeria (DICON) and different home producers.
He additionally emphasised the sturdy hyperlink between efficient border administration and inside safety, calling for continued cooperation with neighbouring nations.
Responding to stakeholders’ contributions on the lecture, Oluyede pressured the significance of synergy among the many Armed Forces, noting that single-service operations are sometimes inadequate to attain desired outcomes.
He cited sensible examples to reveal the worth of coordinated operations, urging the Military, Navy, and Air Pressure to work intently whereas leveraging their distinctive capabilities.
The CDS additional revealed that suggestions from the lecture could be forwarded to the Federal Govt Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board to safe broader help for implementation.
Additionally talking, the Minister of Defence, Basic Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), bolstered the necessity for synergy, describing Nigeria’s safety framework as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government strategy.”
He defined that the JDWC, established in July 2025, serves as a hub for integrating army experience and enhancing joint operations.
Earlier, the Director Basic of the JDWC, Main Basic A.E. Edet, highlighted the progress made inside six months of the Centre’s institution, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and full operationalisation.
The occasion attracted high army officers, diplomats, and key stakeholders, marking a big step towards strengthening joint army doctrine and a coordinated nationwide response to insecurity.
Linus Aleke
Times Nigeria