CDS Advocates Border Synergy, Local Defence Production at JDWC Inaugural Lecture

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called for stronger border cooperation and increased indigenous defence production as central pillars of the country’s evolving security strategy.

Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) on Tuesday, Oluyede said Nigeria’s military is entering a new phase focused on self-reliance, joint operations, and regional collaboration to address complex security threats.

He noted that the Armed Forces are prioritising local defence manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and other domestic partners. According to him, strengthening border security and maintaining cooperation with neighbouring countries remain critical to internal stability.

The CDS also emphasised the importance of synergy among the armed services, warning that isolated operations by individual branches may not yield optimal results. He stressed that joint military efforts, leveraging the unique strengths of each service, are essential for effective outcomes.

Oluyede added that recommendations from the lecture would be presented to the Federal Executive Council and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to secure wider support for implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, reinforced the need for collaboration, describing Nigeria’s security framework as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.”

Musa said the JDWC, established in July 2025, serves as a hub for integrating military knowledge and fostering cooperation across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He noted that operational success depends on unified action supported by civilian participation.

Earlier, the Director General of the Centre, AE Edet, highlighted progress made within six months of the Centre’s establishment. He said the JDWC has developed key operational plans and remains committed to advancing military innovation and strategic thinking.

The event drew a wide range of participants, including serving and former military leaders such as Alani Akinrinade, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other stakeholders.

The inaugural lecture is seen as a significant step toward strengthening joint military doctrine, improving coordination, and building a more unified approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.