The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is finalising the review of a new Joint Doctrine for the Armed Forces that will cater for multi-domain operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, revealed this while speaking as a Guest Speaker at the NISECEXPO-DICON International Defence and Security Show, organised by the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference (NISEC) in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in Abuja on Monday.
The CDS also disclosed the establishment of a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, which will be responsible for driving joint doctrine development, joint training, and joint operational concepts, as well as planning towards integrated command centres for future conflicts.
This will help ensure unified situational awareness, faster decision-making, and effective multi-domain coordination.
General Oluyede said that the new doctrine, when fully operational, would ensure that every service “speaks the same operational/tactical language” and operate towards a single unified national strategic objectives.
The CDS, represented by Major General Aniedi Edet, Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Center at the Defence Headquarters, stated that the nature of threats confronting the country has changed significantly, noting that adversaries are no longer conventional massed armies but fluid, adaptive networks operating across multiple domains.
He noted that warfare has moved beyond the traditional land, maritime, and air domains, now extending actively into the information, electromagnetic, and cyber domains, each demanding specialised capabilities, fresh thinking, and greater collaboration, stressing that staying ahead of adversaries calls for a transition from service-specific responses to a unified, integrated, and decisive joint approach.
The CDS said: “To ensure we remain ahead of evolving threats, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is strengthening its joint structures and operational frameworks.
“A few key efforts include: establishment of a Permanent Joint Theatre Command, moving beyond ad-hoc joint task forces to more enduring and coordinated structures; review of the 2017 Joint Structure, which currently being finalised to reflect new realities and align with global best practices; creation of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, which tasked with driving joint doctrine development, joint training and joint operational concepts, and planning towards integrated command centres for future conflicts, ensuring unified situational awareness, faster decision-making and multi-domain coordination.”
According to him, these reforms would guide future acquisitions, force design and operational readiness.
He said the theme of the expo,“Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities”, resonates strongly with the military’s key priority, which is preparing for future wars.
The CDS said that has the world moves rapidly towards autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and unmanned platforms, and future probably being fought with minimal human presence on the frontlines, but dominated by drones, robots and algorithm-driven systems, the Nigerian military is paying close attention to these trends and exploring ways to integrate them into our defence posture.
“Similarly, our National Space Research and Development Agency and Defence Space Administration are increasingly focused on strengthening Nigeria’s cyber posture and space capabilities,” he said.
“The National Intelligence Fusion Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser has become one of our most effective tools for real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies and partners. It strengthens counter-terrorism, counters cybercrime, and enhances responses to transnational threats.”
While emphasizing that security is no longer the exclusive responsibility of the military or security agencies, the CDS noted that Nigeria’s security challenges demand whole-of-society cooperation, where every segment of society has an important role to play.
He said that as strategic communication becomes central to national security, the military would continue to work closely with the media, civil society and community leaders to promote accurate narratives, protect civilians and build trust.
The Chief Executive Officer of NISEC, Frank Ohwofa, said the 2025 exhibition aimed to develop innovative solutions to address Nigeria and Africa’s defence challenges.
Ohwofa emphasized the significance of Nigeria to produce it’s defence needs locally, noting that unable to do so could make the country vulnerable, as global supply chain constraints make reliance on foreign imports risky.
“I am particularly impressed with the local companies showcasing their capacity to manufacture spare parts, vehicles, and other military requirements. This is essential for self-reliance and readiness,” he said.
Ohwofa said the event, which runs from December 8 to 10, will showcase new innovations and technologies that can significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond to asymmetric threats.
“The technologies on display are far more advanced than those we have seen in previous editions. They will help security agencies evaluate what needs to change and what capabilities must be acquired.
“Before the close of this event, which will last untill December 10, we expect several partnerships and cooperation agreements to be forged, particularly in support of local content development, which aligns with government priorities,” he said.
