Nigeria Hosts African Union Military Committee Orientation to Strengthen Continental Security Cooperation

Nigeria Hosts African Union Military Committee Orientation to Strengthen Continental Security Cooperation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has hosted the Induction and Orientation Programme for members of the Military Staff Committee (MSC) of the African Union Peace and Security Council in Abuja, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and stability across the African continent.

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The two-day programme, which commenced on June 29, 2026, brings together representatives of member states to strengthen the capacity of the Military Staff Committee, the principal military advisory body to the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by the Director of Search and Rescue at Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, welcomed delegates to Abuja and expressed appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting Nigeria to host the strategic capacity-building programme.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture through enhanced military cooperation and regional partnerships.

The CDS noted that the continent continues to face complex and evolving threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and humanitarian crises, stressing that such challenges require coordinated responses among African nations.

According to him, the Military Staff Committee plays a vital role in providing professional military advice and strategic assessments that support informed decision-making on conflict prevention, crisis management and peace support operations.

Also speaking, Head of the Peace and Security Council Secretariat at the African Union Commission, Neama Chusi, described the Military Staff Committee as the only subsidiary organ established under the protocol creating the Peace and Security Council.

She said the committee remains indispensable in providing military expertise that complements diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing, managing and resolving conflicts across Africa.

Chusi encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange experiences and contribute ideas that would strengthen the effectiveness of the committee.

Chairperson of the Military Staff Committee, Brigadier General Abubakar Conteh, said the committee’s role has become increasingly important as Africa grapples with emerging security threats, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security risks and cybercrime.

He described the induction programme as an important platform for deepening institutional knowledge, fostering cooperation among member states and enhancing the committee’s ability to provide timely, objective and professional military advice to the Peace and Security Council.

The orientation programme features presentations, practical exercises, discussions and experience-sharing sessions designed to familiarise newly appointed and returning members with the committee’s mandate, operational procedures and working methods while promoting stronger collaboration among African Union member states.

Nigeria Hosts African Union Military Committee Orientation to Strengthen Continental Security Cooperation