CDS Musa Urges African Militaries to Deploy AI Against Terrorism

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on African military chiefs to embrace modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in the fight against terrorism and insurgency ravaging parts of the continent.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja on Monday, General Musa stressed that warfare on the continent has evolved beyond conventional battles, demanding digital and asymmetric strategies to defeat extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab.

“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,” Musa said. He urged defence leaders to invest in cyber-defence, AI, and indigenous military technology, warning that without these, victory against modern security threats would remain elusive.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to continental peace and stability, General Musa said the Armed Forces would continue to participate in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions. He emphasized the importance of shared intelligence, joint training, and coordinated actions among African nations.

“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 and where our Armed Forces are symbols of stability, professionalism and pride,” he declared.

The conference was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray; African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahamoud Youssouf; former Nigerian UN Representative, Ibrahim Gambari; FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and NNPCL Managing Director, Bashir Ojulari.