Counter-insurgency Requires Innovative Responses – CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said the proliferation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and the employment of armed drones by terrorists required innovative and adaptive responses to address.

He said the military must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of all security threats.

Musa spoke at the opening of the 2025 CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, which had the theme “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” yesterday in Abuja.

He commended the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of the officers and men of the armed forces across the various joint task force theatres in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

The defence chief added that the successes recorded in recent operations are a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty, demonstrated through unity of purpose and effective collaboration.

He said, “However, while celebrating these achievements, we must remain vigilant. The security landscape continues to evolve, presenting new and complex challenges.

“Evolving threats, such as the employment of armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices, demand innovative and adaptive responses.”

He continued, “This conference is an opportunity to critically examine these challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them.

“We must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of these threats.”

The defence chief said the conference would provide a critical platform for them to reflect on their collective efforts, assess progress, and strategise for the challenges ahead.

He added that it was an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, share insights, and reaffirm commitment to the nation’s defence.

He said the theme focused on jointness as a major determinant of operational success, particularly in the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.

According to him, jointness remains at the core of operational success. “It is a pillar of my leadership concept, which is ‘To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People-Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment.’”

Musa said that commanders play a pivotal role in fostering the spirit of collaboration and urged them to continue building bridges, sharing resources, and working as a cohesive team.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his sterling leadership, outstanding commitment, and support of the country’s armed forces and security agencies.

“As we proceed with the conference, let us remember that Nigeria’s security is a collective responsibility.

“By working together, we can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he added.

A former chief of defence staff, retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, said the conference was an opportunity to critically examine the challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them.

Petirin said the military must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of the threats of insurgency, terrorism and other threats.